Women are especially susceptible to osteoporosis because their bones are in general smaller than men's. There are no symptoms of osteoporosis until a fracture occurs and, in women, smaller loss of calcium can engender this condition. Both pregnant women and nursing mothers need to increase their calcium intake during these critical periods. Adequate calcium intake is also crucial at the onset of menopause when the abrupt loss of female hormones leads to decreased calcium absorption and accelerated bone loss. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, and iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of malnutrition in women.
Anemia occurs when the concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells fall below normal.
Hemoglobin is essential for delivering oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. Severe deficits in the delivery and use of oxygen increase fatigability, decrease work capacity, impair brain function, and lessen ability to maintain body temperature. In addition, obesity among American women has reached epidemic proportions. The more severe the obesity, the greater the incidence of stroke, osteoarthritis, menstrual irregularities, reduced fertility, fungal and yeast infections, etc. Studies have indicated that even a modest weight loss can improve the health of millions of people.