In South Africa, the figures are especially alarming. National surveys show that between 29% and 61% of children under five are affected, with one-year-olds being the most vulnerable at 52%.<\/p>\n
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Family on beach holiday
Picture: Supplied<\/p>\n
\u2018The reality is that babies born to iron-deficient mothers are iron deficient from birth,\u2019 says Sister Davidson. \u2018Unless this is corrected, these infants are set up for a life potentially fraught with physical and mental health struggles, and it is so easily tested for and treated.\u2019<\/p>\n
Across sub-Saharan Africa, the WHO <\/a>estimates that 43% of women of reproductive age and 40% of adolescent girls are anaemic. \u2018Adolescents are vulnerable to mental health struggles. Add low iron stores into the mix and you have a potentially devastating perfect storm that is so treatable,\u2019\u00a0Davidson adds.<\/p>\n \u2018These aren\u2019t just numbers,\u2019 Davidson stresses. \u2018Each represents a person likely struggling with physical and mental symptoms that impact daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life. The tragedy is that with proper screening and treatment, these outcomes are entirely preventable.\u2019<\/p>\n Research continues to highlight the strong link between iron deficiency and mental health<\/a> challenges across all age groups:<\/p>\n Children and adolescents: \u2018Iron deficiency can fundamentally alter how young people experience the world during crucial developmental years,\u2019 Davidson explains. \u2018We see young children struggling to function at school or regulate their emotions, teenagers too exhausted to socialise, too foggy to study, and too irritable to maintain healthy relationships.\u2019<\/p>\n Adults: Low iron levels often appear as anxiety, restlessness, low mood, and poor concentration. A 2020 study found that individuals with iron deficiency anaemia faced significantly higher risks of psychiatric disorders. When iron drops, the brain can experience apathy, irritability, and lack of attention.<\/p>\n Older adults: For seniors, symptoms are often mistaken for normal ageing. \u2018So many patients and families accept declining mental sharpness, persistent low mood, and crushing fatigue as inevitable parts of ageing,\u2019 says Davidson. \u2018When we check iron levels and correct deficiencies, we regularly witness remarkable transformations.\u2019<\/p>\n Additionally, sleep and mental health are deeply intertwined, and iron plays a role there too. \u2018Poor sleep and insomnia are common symptoms of low iron stores or anaemia,\u2019 Davidson notes.<\/p>\n \u2018When iron stores are low, it\u2019s an enormous challenge for patients to get the rest they need. Once their iron deficiencies are addressed and treated, the difference can be life-changing.\u2018<\/p>\n Sister Davidson warns that iron deficiency is often mistaken for stress, burnout, or depression. \u2018People adapt to feeling suboptimal, accepting brain fog and fatigue as normal, when a simple blood test and treatment could transform their lives,\u2019 she says.<\/p>\n Physical symptoms may include:<\/p>\n Persistent fatigue despite rest<\/p>\n Headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath<\/p>\n Pale skin, cold extremities<\/p>\n Hair loss or brittle nails<\/p>\n Restless legs, insomnia, or heart palpitations<\/p>\n Mental health red flags include:<\/p>\n Low mood or depression<\/p>\n Sudden anxiety<\/p>\n Irritability or mood swings<\/p>\n Brain fog, poor focus, or memory issues<\/p>\n Apathy or emotional detachment<\/p>\n \u2018Mental health symptoms matter. Fatigue is not normal. Brain fog should not be accepted as part of daily life,\u2019 Davidson concludes.<\/p>\n \u2018If you\u2019re struggling mentally or emotionally, checking your iron levels could be the key to reclaiming your vitality and wellbeing. Ask your doctor to conduct full iron tests, not just haemoglobin tests.\u2019<\/p>\n The Cape Town Infusion Centre continues to raise awareness and offer treatment for iron deficiency and anaemia, aiming to empower patients and improve their quality of life. For more information or to book a consultation, visit www.capeinfusions.co.za<\/a><\/p>\n Be the first to know \u2013 Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Also read:<\/p>\n