Girl who craved inedible substances diagnosed with iron deficiency

According to the experts, figures show more than half of girls aged 11 to 18 and more than a quarter of women aged 19 to 64 are low in iron.

This means they’re at a heightened risk for iron deficiency anaemia.

Iron is crucial for energy, immunity and brain function so it’s important the body gets sufficient amounts from red meat, liver, tofu, spinach, beans and fortified breakfast cereals.

Where diet cannot sustain a person’s needs, however, supplements may help achieve the right balance of nutrients, explains GO Doctor Nisa Aslam.