The Department of Health has advised women of reproductive age to ensure an adequate intake of iron in their diets after a survey found their age group has a higher prevalence of iron deficiency (ID).

The department released the thematic report on iron status today as part of its citywide Population Health Survey conducted between November 2020 and February 2022.

Biochemical testing of blood for haemoglobin and serum ferritin were included in the thematic report for the first time to assess the iron status of the local population aged between 15 to 84.

The survey found that the prevalence of ID among the local population aged 15 to 84 was about 5.7%, whereas for women of reproductive age between 15 and 49, it was 17.5%.

The prevalence of men was 0.7%, while that of post-menopausal age women was 2.7%. A remarkable difference in the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) between men (0.3%) and women (6.4%) was also observed.

Among women of reproductive age, their prevalence of IDA was 10.6%, higher than women of post-menopausal age, which was 2.1%.

Reviewing the key findings of the study and the latest scientific evidence, the Working Group on Prevention of Iron Deficiency noted that the local findings among women of reproductive age are similar to those of relevant studies in high income countries, and are believed to be due to their regular and heavy menstrual blood loss.

Women of reproductive age should pay particular attention to their diet to ensure an adequate intake of iron.

Click here for the recommendations.