Iron deficiency in women and its potential impact on military effectiveness.

Iron deficiency is recognized as a significant health concern for women of childbearing age in the civilian population. In the military, most women are of childbearing age. Not only do they carry the normal risks for developing iron deficiency, but they also have the added threats of possible decreased choices of food high in iron content, increased physical activity, and weight loss. This can put these women at risk for decreased energy efficiency and impaired cognitive performance. This article describes the pathophysiology of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, the consequences of each, and the need to routinely screen military women for iron depletion.