Iron deficiency anemia is more prevalent in which demographic group due to menstrual losses?

Iron deficiency anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of sufficient iron in the body, which is essential for producing hemoglobin in red blood cells. Women, particularly those of reproductive age, are more susceptible to iron deficiency anemia due to menstrual losses. Each month during menstruation, women can lose significant amounts of blood, which can deplete their iron reserves. This ongoing loss, coupled with the higher iron requirements during periods of menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation, leads to a higher prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in women compared to men, children, and the elderly.

Men generally do not experience regular blood loss in the same way, and while children can also suffer from iron deficiency, it is often due to dietary issues rather than menstruation. The elderly may have other deficiencies and health issues, but their risk of iron deficiency anemia due to menstrual losses is not applicable. Thus, women are distinctly more impacted by this condition due to their unique physiological characteristics related to menstruation.