Why Nordic Women Are Prone to Iron Deficient

A recent study from the University of Gothenburg shows that iron levels are dropping fast among women in the Swedish military. Another research project in Sweden found that teenage girls, especially vegetarians and vegans, are at serious risk of low iron. And yet, tiredness is still blamed on stress or “just being busy.” But what if your body is actually low on something vital?

The Nordic Paradox

Even though we have clean nature, fresh air, and a healthy lifestyle, many Nordic women still don’t get enough iron. This is not just about what we eat, it’s also about how we live and how our bodies work.

Traditional Nordic foods like fish, root vegetables, and crispbread are healthy, but they don’t give us enough of the kind of iron our bodies can absorb easily. Red meat, organ meats, and iron-enriched foods are better sources, but many women don’t eat them often, especially vegans.

Also, popular eating habits like plant-based meals and lots of dairy (like yogurt and cheese) can block our body from absorbing iron. Add long winters and big changes in daylight, and it’s clear why so many women here feel low on energy.

The Active Woman's Iron Trap

If you’re active, hiking, training, biking, your body needs up to 50% more iron than someone who’s not.

Your monthly cycle also takes away iron. And if you hike at high altitudes (like many trails in the Nordics), your body works harder and needs more red blood cells and more iron to make them.

Many women take iron pills, but they can be hard on your stomach. Eating foods high in iron, and combining them the right way, can work better and feel better.

What’s Really Causing Low Iron

These common Nordic habits make it hard to keep healthy iron levels:

1. Coffee: We love coffee, but drinking it near meals blocks iron.

2. Dairy: Milk, yogurt, and cheese are full of calcium, which fights with iron for space in your body.

3. High Fiber Diet: Whole grains and bran are healthy, but they can hold onto iron and carry it out of your body.

4. Stress: A busy, high-pressure lifestyle raises stress hormones. That makes it harder for your body to take in nutrients.
   

These are small daily habits, but over time, they add up.

The Food-First Way to Feel Better

The good news? You can build your iron levels with food, no harsh pills needed. Iron from food is easier to absorb, especially when you combine it the right way. Try these tips:

• Don’t eat high-calcium or drink coffee close to your iron-rich meals.

• Eat foods with vitamin C like berries, oranges, or peppers to help your body absorb more iron.

• Choose foods high in iron like lentils, dark leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and dried fruits.

• Look for trail-ready options like energy bars made to help your body take in iron.

Old-fashioned iron sources like liver or blood pudding aren’t for everyone. But today, there are new, natural options made for women who love nature and staying active. North Real Bar is one of them, a functional bar crafted with real iron-rich foods, combined with vitamin C for better absorption and fiber to keep things gentle on your stomach. It’s trail-ready support, without the compromise.

Your Nordic lifestyle shouldn't limit your energy. It should fuel your adventures.

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