We wake up in the morning feeling unrested and reach for coffee like it’s our lifeline. We pull broken strands of hair from our hairbrushes and blame it on the shampoo. But often, these are not random signs – they’re our body’s way of flagging something deeper: iron deficiency.
According to studies, 1 in 2 Indian women suffers from iron deficiency. India alone accounts for 40% of the global anaemia burden. More than half of Indian women aged 15–49 are anaemic, and nearly 59% of adolescent girls have low iron levels.
Yet, this silent epidemic often goes unnoticed or unaddressed. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional gaps among Indian women, but women don't know the early signs, such as tiredness, hair fall, paleness of skin, brittle nails, etc.
Why Iron Matters? — Insights from Nutritionist Chitwan Garg
In a recent episode of the Shaili Chopra Show, in collaboration with Livogen - India’s #1 doctor-recommended iron supplement brand from Procter & Gamble Health Limited, nutritionist Chitwan Garg discussed why iron deficiency is so common and what women can do about it.
Speaking to host Shaili Chopra, founder of SheThePeople, she shared how small daily actions – like incorporating Livogen Iron Gummies into one’s routine can help.
How do I know if I have iron deficiency?
Garg discussed how iron deficiency impacts our lives, with symptoms like tiredness, hair fall, brittle nails, or mood swings. We might reach for tea /coffee, or electrolytes for a quick fix, but that’s just masking the real issue. The root cause of why most women wake up tired is not just a lack of sleep or stress. It's actually iron deficiency," she said.
"Iron is the fuel for our body; it is what carries oxygen to the cells. And when we are deficient in iron, our body cries for help by feeling drained."
Garg also shared that irritability, mood swings, and brain fog are all early indicators of iron deficiency.
"Many women come to me blaming hair fall on stress or shampoo, but rarely do they consider that low iron could be the underlying reason," Garg revealed. She also explained that iron deficiency can affect women's ovulation, menstruation, and fertility.
The Emotional Impact of Iron Deficiency
Shaili Chopra noted how low iron levels can go beyond tiredness to impact mental well-being and self-confidence. "Iron deficiency affects not just our body but also our emotions, our relationships, and even how we see ourselves," said Chopra.
Garg agreed, "When you’re constantly tired, irritable, and battling hair fall or pale skin, it affects your confidence. You don’t feel like your best self.”
Why are women at greater risk of iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency is far more common in women because of how our bodies function.
Garg explained, "Menstruation leads women to lose a lot of blood. Pregnancy and hormonal factors like PCOS and endometriosis increase iron loss. Add to that a busy lifestyle, stress, and multitasking, and women become especially vulnerable."
She urged women to pay attention to their iron levels early. She said, "Start young – your teens or 20’s are the best time to build iron reserves. By your 30’s, it’s essential to monitor levels regularly to prepare for perimenopause and menopause."
What to do if I have iron deficiency?
Garg shared simple steps to help manage and reverse iron deficiency:
- Eat iron-rich foods: Spinach, lentils, jaggery, and meat.
- Pair with vitamin C: It boosts iron absorption.
"If you’re eating dal, squeeze lemon on it. Add tomatoes to your spinach," she advised.
However, she noted that diet alone may not be enough. "The truth is, the average Indian diet only suffices 50% of daily iron needs – especially for women. That’s where supplements help. And women usually forget to take pills because of a busy lifestyle. But I recently came across Livogen Iron Gummies. I feel that that's a great solution,” she added.
Why Livogen Iron Gummies Are a Smart Solution
Garg further shared, "I recently came across Livogen Iron Gummies – they’re chewable and come in delicious strawberry flavour. Just two gummies a day give as much iron as two bowls of spinach. They don’t have metallic taste or cause stomach discomfort like some traditional iron supplements."
Made with Advanced Micronized Technology, they are known to have 3X better iron absorption as compared to conventional iron salts (based on average iron absorption relative to Ferrous sulphate in an in-vitro study.)
She added, "Daily supplementation of iron helps maintain healthy hair, skin, and iron reserves. And because they feel like a treat, Livogen Iron Gummies make iron intake easy and enjoyable."
The Link Between Iron and Hair Health
Chopra asked how iron impacts hair health. Garg explained, "Hair follicles need oxygen to grow. When iron is low, even the best shampoos or hair spas won’t help, and that’s where Livogen Iron Gummies can really help with supporting iron levels in the body."
Garg concluded the interview with a reminder for all women, "Feeling tired, having hair fall or lacking energy is not normal - it’s your body asking for help. Eat better, check your iron levels and take small steps every day. Include Livogen Iron Gummies in your routine for 3-6 months to support iron levels."
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