Status: Baseline only
Most Recent Data:
11.0
percent
(2015-16)
Target:
7.2
percent
Desired Direction:
Decrease desired
Baseline:
11.0
percent of females aged 12 to 49 years had iron deficiency in 2015-16
Reduce iron deficiency among females aged 12 to 49 years
Summary
Blood needs iron to carry oxygen through the body — but some people don’t have enough iron. Women are more likely than men to have an iron deficiency because they lose blood during menstruation. Pregnancy and childbirth can also cause iron deficiency. Supplements and foods with added iron are effective methods to help women get enough iron. Encouraging people to use the Nutrition Facts label can also help them track their consumption of iron.
Topics: Nutrition and Healthy Eating, Women
Workgroup: Nutrition and Weight Status Workgroup
