Question

Due to deficiency of iron, which of the following problem observed in women or girls?

• A. Scurvy
• B. Osteoporosis
• C. Anemia
• D. Stroke

Hint:

Iron is the core element of the heme group in hemoglobin.
No Iron \(\rightarrow\) No Hemoglobin \(\rightarrow\) No Oxygen Transport \(\rightarrow\) Anemia.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Iron is an essential micronutrient required for the synthesis of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to all tissues of the body.
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, particularly affecting women of reproductive age and adolescent girls.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the physiological consequences of iron deficiency:
- When iron levels in the body are insufficient, the bone marrow cannot produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin.
- This leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells and a lower concentration of hemoglobin per cell, resulting in microcytic, hypochromic Anemia (C).
- Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, cold hands and feet, and dizziness.
- Women and adolescent girls are at a higher risk of developing iron deficiency anemia due to monthly blood loss during menstruation and increased iron demands during pregnancy and lactation.
Let us review the other options for clarity:
- Scurvy (A) is caused by a deficiency of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
- Osteoporosis (B) is characterized by decreased bone density and is linked to calcium and Vitamin D deficiencies.
- Stroke (D) is a cardiovascular/neurological event caused by a disrupted blood supply to the brain, not directly by a single nutrient deficiency.
Thus, Anemia is the correct answer.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (C).