Women’s health | 5.5.2026
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide. In Switzerland alone, around 15–20% of women of reproductive age are affected. Because it often develops gradually and causes non-specific symptoms, many cases remain undiagnosed. The best way to prevent an iron deficiency is to consume an iron-rich diet, as explained by Dr Urania Kolyvanos Naumann.
Iron is essential for the body and plays a key role in energy metabolism and many vital physiological processes. Crucially, it is instrumental in producing haemoglobin, the red blood pigment found in red blood cells. Haemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen to your organs and muscles via the bloodstream.
Iron deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough iron to meet its needs. As a result, the body cannot produce enough haemoglobin, which can negatively impact physical health, mental wellbeing and overall performance.
Anaemia occurs when the haemoglobin level or number of red blood cells drops too low. Around 80% of these cases result from a lack of iron – a condition known as iron-deficiency anaemia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iron-deficiency anaemia is diagnosed when haemoglobin levels fall below 12 g/dl in women or 13 g/dl in men. Women are disproportionately affected, accounting for around 80% of all cases.
“The most important immediate measure for people with iron deficiency is to change their diet. They may also benefit from taking iron supplements – although only after obtaining advice from a medical professional,” says Dr Urania Kolyvanos Naumann. Regular exercise and sufficient sleep can support overall health and wellbeing. In the case of severe iron deficiency, a medical assessment is required. This may then be followed by an iron infusion.
Start following a balanced, iron-rich diet as soon as possible. Combine vitamin C with iron-rich foods and avoid drinking coffee, black tea and green tea at mealtimes as these can reduce iron absorption. In cases of severe iron deficiency, a doctor may recommend an iron infusion. This delivers iron intravenously into the bloodstream.
“The most important immediate measure for people with iron deficiency is to change their diet. They may also benefit from taking iron supplements.”
As the body is unable to produce iron naturally, it must be absorbed through our food. People who eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet are generally well supplied with iron. In the event of iron deficiency, however, it can be advisable to eat additional iron-rich foods. The body absorbs iron from animal-based foods more efficiently than from plant-based sources. Dr Urania Kolyvanos Naumann offers the following tips:
People’s daily iron requirement depends on their gender, age and lifestyle. The following recommendations apply:
Foods with a particularly high iron content:
Boosters promote iron absorption:
Iron absorption inhibitors:
Iron deficiency usually occurs when the body loses or uses more iron than it can absorb. In rarer cases, it is caused by malabsorption (the body’s inability to correctly extract iron from food).
Because iron deficiency develops gradually, symptoms of iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anaemia usually appear only in the advanced stages, meaning the condition often goes unnoticed for a long time.
While the biological mechanism of iron deficiency is identical in men and women, women often experience more severe symptoms. This is due to regular blood loss through menstruation, as well as the significantly higher iron demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding. If these demands are not met, symptoms can worsen.
If symptoms persist, you should always consult a doctor. The same applies in the case of heavy menstrual periods or persistent diarrhoea. If children show symptoms, you should consult a paediatrician, as iron deficiency can affect growth and development.
A doctor will review your medical history and order a blood test to check your haemoglobin and ferritin (iron storage) levels. If you belong to a high-risk group, e.g. due to pregnancy, heavy menstrual periods, competitive sport or a vegan/vegetarian diet, regular check-ups are recommended.
Home test kits should not be used as a substitute for professional medical assessment. You should also never take high-dose iron supplements without medical supervision.
Pulse Top and Premium supplementary outpatient insurance focus on the early detection and prevention of health risks. This is because prevention is better than cure. Is this important to you too? With Pulse Top and Premium, you benefit from annual contributions of up to 4,000 francs for screening and check-ups.
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