Iron for women: tired, pale and breathless?

Anaemia, often from too little iron, is common in women and girls, especially with heavy periods, pregnancy or a diet low in iron.

Common signs

• Tiredness and weakness, feeling breathless on stairs.
• Pale skin, inner eyelids or nails.
• Headache, dizziness or a fast heartbeat.

Food that helps

• Lentils, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, fish and meat.
• Fruit rich in vitamin C, such as guava, amloki or lemon, with meals helps the body take in iron.
• Tea or coffee with meals can lower iron uptake; have them between meals.

Test first

Tiredness has many causes. A simple blood test shows whether you have anaemia and of which kind. Take iron tablets only as a doctor advises, especially in pregnancy.

This article is general information and not a substitute for an in-person examination. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital.