- New survey shows the majority of Australians are unaware of common symptoms related to iron deficiency – including unusual food cravings such as chewing or eating ice (90%), shortness of breath (81%), decrease in libido (87%), and dizziness (57%).1
- Iron deficiency is an important health issue for women as they are at higher risk throughout their life due to menstrual blood loss and pregnancy.2
- The number of Australians tested for iron deficiency dropped significantly during the pandemic.3
- GPs, specialists and people living with iron deficiency are encouraging Australians to listen to their body as part of a new campaign to Take Iron Seriously.
Melbourne, 24 November 2023
A new survey released ahead of Iron Deficiency Day 2023 (26 November) shows that while many Australians have heard of iron deficiency, a significant majority are unaware of what symptoms they should be looking out for.
GPs, specialists and people living with iron deficiency are encouraging Australians to listen to their body as part of a campaign to Take Iron Seriously after the number of Australians being tested for iron deficiency dropped significantly during the pandemic.
The survey, commissioned by CSL, asked 1,033 Australian adults about their understanding of iron deficiency. The results showed that:
- A quarter (24%) of respondents have never heard of or have a limited understanding of the condition.1
- The majority of Australians are unaware of common symptoms related to iron deficiency – including unusual food cravings such as chewing or eating ice (90%), shortness of breath (81%), decrease in libido (87%), and dizziness (57%).1
- Only 1% of people were aware of all the common iron deficiency symptoms identified in the survey.1
Iron is needed to carry oxygen in your blood, giving you energy and helping you concentrate.4 It also keeps your immune system healthy, allowing you to fight off infections.5
Iron deficiency occurs when your need for iron is higher than your body's supply, which can cause symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath.6 It is the most common nutritional deficiency, affecting 1 in 3 people worldwide.7 Those most at risk of iron deficiency include women, children, adolescents and people living with chronic diseases.8, 9
Iron deficiency can also lead to iron deficiency anaemia, where the body can no longer make the number of healthy red blood cells you need.8
The survey also revealed that three in four Australians (77%) believed iron deficiency can either significantly or moderately impact quality of life.1
Dr Lisa Clarke, Haematologist and Iron Deficiency expert, says that it is important for Australians to take iron deficiency seriously and listen to their body.
"Iron deficiency remains overlooked by patients and healthcare professionals as
we don't have a good understanding of the symptoms. Often iron deficiency is only addressed when anaemia has developed. By recognising the signs early and speaking to your GP, we can take an important step towards early diagnosis and treatment," said Dr Clarke.
"Iron deficiency can cause a variety of different symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness and mental fog, which can significantly impact physical and mental capacity, and overall quality of life. Studies show that undiagnosed iron deficiency can impact work, study, leisure and completing everyday tasks."6
Dr Clarke added, "It's particularly important for women to be aware as they are at higher risk throughout their life due to menstrual blood loss and pregnancy. This means that menstruating women need over twice as much iron from their diet as men so if they're not getting enough they will become iron deficient."2
Iron Deficiency Day – Sunday 26 November – is a timely reminder for Australians to be aware of the common symptoms related to iron deficiency. Iron Deficiency Day is supported by healthcare professionals, patients and international organisations including the Heart Failure Policy Network, European Kidney Health Alliance, Global Heart Hub and CSL.
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