"I have no energy", "my hair is falling out", "I feel dizzy when I stand" — symptoms attributed to stress and late nights, which may be a clear message from your blood.
The scale of the problem here
The Saudi national epidemiological survey report noted that iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are two common epidemiological conditions, with prevalence estimated at 30% to 56% nationally[1]. A study of schoolgirls in Riyadh found prevalence of 40.5% among adolescents aged 16–18[2]. Per the WHO, 32.3% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Saudi Arabia have anaemia[2]. In Kuwait, anaemia prevalence was 17% among females versus 3% among males[3].
— national epidemiological survey
(16–18) in Riyadh
(WHO estimate)
Why women specifically?
Menstruation, closely spaced pregnancies and breastfeeding, and weight-loss diets that eliminate meat without a considered substitute. Saudi studies note that most deficiency cases were among females by a wide margin[1].
An additional paradox: obesity and anaemia together
A study at King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh examined the relationship between anaemia from poor iron status and obesity[4] — a reminder that "excess weight" absolutely does not mean "good nutrition".
What should you do?
- Test first: a full blood count plus ferritin — don't start a supplement without a test, as excess iron is harmful.
- Combine iron with vitamin C: lentils or meat with lemon, tomato or orange — it visibly raises absorption.
- Separate tea and coffee from meals: an hour before or after — tannins impede absorption, and this is our daily habit par excellence.
- Sources from our kitchen: liver, red meat, lentils, spinach, fava beans, dates.