Exploring the effect of menstrual loss and dietary habits on iron deficiency in teenagers: a cross-sectional study

Post-menarchal female students, aged 15 and older, were included (n=394). Data were collected on-site through a patient-reported survey, including the SAMANTA questionnaire for heavy menstrual bleeding, and by blood sampling.

Meat-restricted diet was analyzed in relation to iron status. Descriptive analysis and regression analysis were used to assess the prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding and its relationship with dietary habits and iron deficiency, defined as ferritin <15 µg/L. The prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency in the cohort was 53% (208/394) and 40% (157/394), respectively. In univariate analysis, heavy menstrual bleeding (OR 3.0, 95% CI [2.0, 4.6]) and a meat-restricted diet (OR 3.5, 95% CI [2.2, 5.6]) were both associated with increased odds of iron deficiency.