'It Wasn't Just Stress': How I Discovered About My Iron Deficiency

Iron Deficiency in Indian Women: Causes, Impact and How Supplements Can Help — I started work only a few years ago and I used to drive an hour to my new office. I realised I was getting tired too often and applying for leaves. There was no obvious illness and only constant fatigue. Sometimes this would manifest in me feeling too light and uneasy too. There was a time when, in spite of being generally happy, I was constantly feeling worn out and found it hard to even wrest myself out of bed each morning. My hair seemed to be thinning at an alarming rate, too. I lead an active life — working as a financial analyst, spending quality time with my family, keeping myself fit with regular workouts, and relishing my social life. 

Despite repeated visits to numerous doctors, none could pinpoint any particular issue. It seems quite common for practitioners to ascribe such symptoms in young women to 'stress'. 

Eventually, a doctor found that my ferritin levels were considerably low. These symptoms I had been experiencing were due to iron deficiency, and I was prescribed an intravenous iron infusion. After the first treatment, the effects were swift — I felt remarkably better physically. Regaining my energy was a game changer, allowing me to get back to the activities I enjoy. I now make it a point to regularly visit my doctor to ensure my ferritin levels remain within the healthy bracket. 

Iron deficiency seems to be a considerably under-addressed issue with insufficient widespread awareness regarding its symptoms. Now, whenever I chat with my friends, I make sure to recommend they screen for iron deficiency and keep a check on their ferritin levels. The good news is, it is a relatively easy condition to manage and treat once diagnosed.

Questions you may have

• What are the common causes of iron deficiency in Indian women?
• What are the symptoms of iron deficiency in Indian women?
• How can iron deficiency impact the daily life of an Indian woman?

I had all these. And it was not easy to find an answer because each body is unique. What's good though is that iron levels can be tested via lab tests and you can focus on products that are bioavailable like SunActiveFe. These were very different a decade or more ago in my mom's time.

Can iron supplements help in combating iron deficiency in Indian women?

Indeed, iron supplements can significantly aid in mitigating the issue of iron deficiency amongst Indian women, particularly those who experience heavy menstrual bleeding. This demographic usually has a higher demand for iron, with their monthly cycles leading to a substantial loss of this essential nutrient. 

Comparative analysis between industrialized nations and India reveals a noticeable difference in supplement accessibility. In these developed regions, fortified vegetarian foods and supplemental iron are readily available and well-targeted for high-risk groups like pregnant women. However, this isn't essentially the case in India. It underscores the need for both improvements in access and awareness about the importance of treating iron deficiency. 

Supplementation is a practical and effective solution to bridge this gap. More women, particularly those at risk of deficiency, including pregnant women and those who follow a strict vegetarian diet, should consider incorporating iron supplements into their daily routine after consulting a healthcare professional. 

However, it's important to note that addressing the iron deficiency issue among Indian women isn't a one-dimensional problem solved only by supplementation. A thorough consideration entails improving women's overall nutrition status, increasing income levels which indirectly impacts dietary choices, and doling out behaviour modification strategies. Supplementation, fortified foods, and dietary diversification – all these strategies should work hand-in-hand to holistically combat iron deficiency.  

SunActive Fe & why it's growing popular

So, I had never heard of this until I saw an ad by Gytree. I was surprised they said their gummies contain a WHO-approved and clinically proven ingredient. Curious, I checked out the founder and read about the technology. Yes, I was sceptical but now I am an absolute convert after my research.

SunActive Fe is a patented, highly bioavailable form of iron that is used in dietary supplements. It is derived from ferric pyrophosphate, a type of iron that is typically difficult for the body to absorb. However, SunActive Fe undergoes a unique process that coats the iron particles in a layer of lecithin, a type of fat that is easily absorbed by the body. This process makes SunActive Fe more bioavailable, meaning it is easier for the body to absorb and use.

SunActive Fe can be particularly beneficial for women in India who are deficient in iron. Iron deficiency is a common issue among Indian women due to a variety of factors. Most of us leave our iron course midway because capsules lead to constipation. The gummies I use are fruit pectin-based and very delicious so I have no incentive to back out. I am on my third bottle in the last 45 days.

So, yes, iron supplements can provide a powerful boost in the fight against iron deficiency in Indian women. They are not a magic bullet solution but form an integral part of a larger strategy aiming towards improved healthcare and nutrition awareness in India.

Views expressed by the author are their own