Iron deficiencies can lead to anaemia, which is common among adolescent girls and women during their reproductive years. A shortage of iron means the body cannot produce enough haemoglobin, the pigment in red blood cells that carries oxygen through the bloodstream. This causes breathlessness as the heart works harder to increase oxygen intake. Anaemia symptoms range from mild tiredness to severe lethargy accompanied by paleness, heart palpitations and breathlessness. Strict vegetarians are often at risk. Increasing iron intake through foods like offal, meat, fish and dark green vegetables can help reduce iron-deficiency anaemia and improve health.