A recent study published in PLOS One from Sweden emphasizes the need for health professionals to assess the dietary habits and menstrual patterns of adolescents in clinical routines, alongside routine lab tests for serum iron levels and ferritin. The study examined 394 students over the age of 15, all of whom had experienced menarche, the onset of menstruation. They completed detailed dietary questionnaires that classified them into dietary groups: omnivores, pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans.

The findings indicate a strong correlation between dietary choices and iron levels in adolescents. It was observed that different dietary classifications have varied impacts on iron deficiency risks, especially in those with heavy menstrual bleeding. The study underscores that health consultations for adolescents should include discussions related to menstrual health and nutritional intake, illustrating a holistic approach to adolescent health care that integrates both dietary and physiological factors.

With the increasing popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets among young people, the implications of such dietary choices on iron status are significant. This research calls for more comprehensive health education for adolescents and highlights the necessity of monitoring iron levels as part of health assessments in this demographic, aiming to prevent potential long-term health issues associated with iron deficiency, such as anemia or cognitive impairment.