“Symptoms of iron deficiency can be seen from the condition of anemia. While the symptoms of anemia are paleness, dizziness, drowsiness, weariness and lethargy, ” she explained.
UNAIR NEWS – Menstruation is an event happening in female reproduction system, where blood comes out of the vagina. Blood comes out with the uterine lining which decays for not being fertilized. The duration of the menstrual cycle for each woman is different, but generally occurs for 28 days with menstrual periods of 4 to 6 days. The amount of blood coming out is an average of 20-60 ml.
When menstruation happens, the possibility of women experiencing anemia is very high due to loss of blood. Anemia is a condition in which the body lacks red blood cells. Therefore, menstruating women are encouraged to meet their nutritional needs properly so that anemia does not occur.
Dr. Lestari Sudaryanti, dr., M. Kes. who is a three-year vocational program lecturer in Nursing at Faculty of Vocational Studies (FV) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) said that women who are menstruating are encouraged to consume foods high in iron to avoid the risk of anemia. “Because during menstruation, women lose blood with the potential to cause anemia,” she said. So consuming foods high in iron is very good for the process of substituting blood lost during menstruation, ” she explained.
Iron is a component of a protein found in red blood cells called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin has the function of binding oxygen and distributing it throughout the body.
So, anemia during menstruation will affect women’s daily activities. The need of iron in each human being differ depending on age and sex. The need for iron in a woman at the age of 14 to 18 years is about 15 mg / day while at the age of 19 to 50 years is 18 mg / day.
Women who experience anemia during menstruation can be seen from several symptoms including iron levels below normal, paleness, dizziness, drowsiness, and weariness.
“Symptoms of iron deficiency can be seen from the condition of anemia. While the symptoms of anemia are paleness, dizziness, drowsiness, weariness and lethargy, ” she explained.
Besides, it is recommended to consume foods high in iron such as green leafy vegetables such as water spinach and red meat. Menstruation is also recommended to eat foods with balanced nutrition.
“Foods containing iron, green leafy foods such as water spinach or red meat and some other types are very good. Complete nutritional components such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fiber must also be fulfilled to prevent the risk of anemia in women who are menstruating,” she concluded. (*)
Author: Icha Nur Imami Puspita
Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifa’i
