Survey indicates concerning rise in iron deficiency symptoms

The results from an online iron quiz titled ‘Could you be low on iron?’ – which checks for common signs and symptoms of iron deficiency – point to some worrying trends.

The 37,000 global responses to this New Zealand quiz – which are being released to coincide with World Iron Awareness Week – saw over 62% of the respondents state they are struggling to get out of bed in the morning, 42% reporting they feel weak or dizzy all the time and over half saying they are short of breath after walking up a flight of steps.

Regina Wypych, Head of Nutrition at Beef + Lamb New Zealand, said: “Whilst these results are a toe-in-the-water insight into how people are feeling, we can’t conclude from the survey alone that respondents are categorically suffering from iron deficiency. But if they are an indicative depiction of iron deficiency and its symptoms, it’s a worrying outlook.

“New Zealand statistics on iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are becoming outdated, and we have limited current knowledge on the state of the nation’s iron health. Until we gain further knowledge on this, it’s really important to keep raising awareness through initiatives like World Iron Awareness Week.

“What we do know from the number of people taking part, is that it suggests people are interested in the impact of diet on our health and if anyone is concerned about their health, they should consider visiting a health professional.”

In New Zealand, the many supporting organisations of this year’s World Iron Awareness Week (22-28th August) will again highlight those most at risk of iron deficiency, the implications of being short on iron, and dietary tips to optimise dietary iron absorption along with a range of tasty iron-rich recipes.

This year’s campaign asks, ‘Is low iron holding you back?’ When your energy levels are not what they should be and poor sleeping, late night Netflix, recovery from Covid or flu and life stresses can be dismissed, it could possibly be low iron causing tiredness, fatigue, and headaches. Taking the quiz allows you to find out if you have any other signs and symptoms of low iron.   

For more information and to take the quiz, visit www.ironweek.co.nz