Which nutrient is particularly at risk for deficiency in menstruating adolescent girls?

Which nutrient is particularly at risk for deficiency in menstruating adolescent girls?

• A. Iron
• B. Potassium
• C. Calcium
• D. Vitamin C

Answer: (A)

Regular menstrual blood loss increases iron requirements in menstruating adolescent girls. During adolescence there is rapid growth and expansion of red blood cell mass, so the body needs more iron to make hemoglobin. If dietary iron doesn’t meet these higher needs, iron stores decline and iron deficiency can develop, making iron the nutrient most at risk in this group. This is why iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia are common concerns for teen girls who menstruate, and why emphasizing iron-rich foods (and vitamin C to improve absorption) is important. Potassium, calcium, and vitamin C are still essential nutrients, but their deficiencies aren’t as directly driven by the monthly blood loss that affects iron; calcium relates more to bone health during growth, vitamin C deficiency is relatively uncommon with typical diets, and potassium deficiency is not a menstruation-specific risk.

Regular menstrual blood loss increases iron requirements in menstruating adolescent girls. During adolescence there is rapid growth and expansion of red blood cell mass, so the body needs more iron to make hemoglobin. If dietary iron doesn’t meet these higher needs, iron stores decline and iron deficiency can develop, making iron the nutrient most at risk in this group. This is why iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia are common concerns for teen girls who menstruate, and why emphasizing iron-rich foods (and vitamin C to improve absorption) is important. Potassium, calcium, and vitamin C are still essential nutrients, but their deficiencies aren’t as directly driven by the monthly blood loss that affects iron; calcium relates more to bone health during growth, vitamin C deficiency is relatively uncommon with typical diets, and potassium deficiency is not a menstruation-specific risk.