Women’s health | 5.5.2026
Preventing and treating iron deficiency – causes, symptoms and expert advice
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.
What is iron deficiency and why is iron important?
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.
What is anaemia and how does it relate to iron deficiency?
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.
