Iron deficiency, common in the United States, affects overall health leading to symptoms like fatigue and anemia. This condition predominantly affects pregnant individuals, menstruators, and plant-based eaters due to increased iron requirements, blood loss, or insufficient iron-rich food consumption. To manage iron deficiency, incorporating iron-rich foods—with emphasis on heme iron found in animal products and nonheme iron from plant sources—is crucial. Additionally, regular blood check-ups, limiting foods that inhibit iron absorption, and potential supplementation are recommended.
