Reduce iron deficiency in females aged 12 to 49 years — NWS‑17

Status: Baseline only

  
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Baseline only

Most Recent Data:
11.0 percent (2015-16)

Target:
7.2 percent

Desired Direction:
Decrease desired

Baseline:
11.0 percent of females aged 12 to 49 years had iron deficiency in 2015-16

Reduce iron deficiency among females aged 12 to 49 years

Target-Setting Method
Minimal statistical significance

Summary

Blood needs iron to carry oxygen through the body — but some people don’t have enough iron. Women are more likely than men to have an iron deficiency because they lose blood during menstruation. Pregnancy and childbirth can also cause iron deficiency. Supplements and foods with added iron are effective methods to help women get enough iron. Encouraging people to use the Nutrition Facts label can also help them track their consumption of iron.