The iron lady: Doctor and wife of Peter Andre highlights iron deficiencies in women

A campaign highlighting the importance of a balanced diet that includes enough iron is being launched by Dr Emily MacDonagh, an NHS medic and wife of music star Peter Andre.

The mother of two transformed herself into a real-life iron woman, having her body painted to appear as if she was made out of iron.

The images have been released to mark the return of Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board's (AHDB) We Eat Balanced campaign.

New research from AHDB shows that 35% of women say they have been diagnosed with an iron deficiency, while almost 7% said they think they may have a deficiency but haven't been diagnosed.

The campaign will be relaunched on 7 September and it aims to highlight the importance of a balanced diet, including red meat and dairy, which are some of the most nutrient-dense foods.

AHDB surveyed almost 4,000 British adults and the findings build on National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) data, which shows almost half of girls and young women have low iron levels.

The research suggests that 27% of parents with 11-18 years-old girls either already know or suspect their child may be iron deficient, and 95% admitted they are concerned about the impact of low iron on their daughter's health.

The research also found that two in five women have been diagnosed with or suspect they could have an iron deficiency.

Symptoms of iron deficiency include tiredness, lack of energy, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and pale skin.

Among the top reasons reported for low levels of iron in women include a lack of red meat in diets (17%) and giving birth (14%).

Red meat and other foods including nuts and dried fruit all form part of a balanced diet that provides the average person with enough iron.

Dairy products, as well as red meat, are natural sources of vital nutrients including iron and B12, but the research also found that the cost of living crisis could lead to consumers missing out on these foods.

Dr MacDonagh, 33, said: "According to National Diet and Nutrition Survey data, almost half of girls and young women aged 11 to 18 suffer from low intakes of Iron, with one in 10 living with low iron status.

"Low intakes of iron affects 25% of women aged 19-64, and 5% have low iron status.

"The fact that so many women and girls are already affected by low iron levels or suspect they may be iron deficient is worrying because iron is an important mineral that's involved in various bodily functions including to help support the immune system and the symptoms - including tiredness and lack of energy - can impact daily life."

In July, the government launched a new strategy aimed at addressing the gender gap in healthcare.

Within the strategy, there will be an expansion of women's health-focused education for new doctors, improvements in fertility services and update guidance for female-specific health conditions, as well as £10m investment for breast screening programmes.

Speaking in July, Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said that it is "not right that 51% of our population are disadvantaged in accessing the care they need simply because of their sex".

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