Women following a vegetarian diet are much more likely to require iron supplementation than women following a traditional diet. Despite the fact that they consume more plant-based foods, the level of this element in the body is often insufficient.

Theiron found in plant foods is usually non-haem iron, which is less readily absorbed by the body than in red meat or eggs. Particular depletion of this element occurs during menstruation, pregnancy and lactation. This is when the need for iron increases significantly, and in women following a vegetarian or vegan diet, supplementation usually becomes necessary.

This isbecause an adequate level of iron ensures the normal course of pregnancy and the development of the foetus. Iron deficiency can cause concentration difficulties, weakness, rapid fatigue or skin problems. Chronic iron deficiency can cause a decrease in haemoglobin, leading to anaemia and anaemia.

If you have any symptoms that may indicate iron deficiency, consult your doctor. It may be necessary to determine serum levels of this element. If a woman is a vegetarian, she should always inform her doctor, as many of the symptoms of iron deficiency can be attributed to other conditions and can prolong the diagnostic time, or can be underestimated and attributed, for example, to exhaustion.

Iron supplementation preparations should be prescribed by a doctor, who will prescribe a preparation containing a dose of iron adapted to the patient's condition. It should be borne in mind that an excess of iron is just as dangerous as an iron deficiency, and that, in addition to the dose, its bioavailability to the body is also of great importance, which is why iron preparations should not be taken without prior medical consultation.

A well-prepared diet consisting of foods rich in iron and containing Vit. C (increasing absorption) and calcium restriction (decreasing absorption) will minimise the risk of iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia. Women following a vegetarian diet should be aware of the need to supplement iron during menstruation, but especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They should also take care to ensure adequate levels of this element during the period of trying for pregnancy, which will minimise losses and make it easier to supplement during pregnancy.