Anemia in women

Definition

Proportion of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) with anemia. This estimate is for both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Anemia in defined as having a hemoglobin concentration of less than 12 grams per deciliter for non-pregnant and lactating women and of less than 11 grams per deciliter for pregnant women.

Relevance

Animal-source foods, particularly liver; bivalves including oysters, clams, and mussels; small oily fish; and meat, leafy greens, other vegetables, and pulses are good sources of dietary iron, which prevents iron-deficiency anemia. Other causes of anemia include intestinal parasitic infections, malaria, and other nutritional deficiencies. Women's iron intake needs are greater than men's. Iron deficiency during pregnancy can result in complications for mother and fetus, including low birth weight.