Tired all the time? The overlooked nutrient women need to reclaim energy

Iron deficiency: The hidden cause behind fatigue

One of the most overlooked—but incredibly common—health issues among women is iron deficiency. Fatigue, especially around menstruation, is often brushed off as normal. But feeling constantly tired isn't something to ignore—it may be a sign your body is running low on one of its most essential nutrients. Iron deficiency is the most widespread nutrient deficiency in the world, affecting around 2 billion people globally. And for women, the risk is even higher. Menstrual blood loss, pregnancy, and breastfeeding all increase iron demands—often beyond what the diet alone can replenish.

Anaemia, the result of prolonged iron deficiency, affects an estimated 500 million women between the ages of 15 and 49. Yet many don’t even realize they’re affected. One study found that up to 18% of seemingly healthy women were actually iron-deficient due to heavy menstrual bleeding. Even more striking: nearly half of all women with heavy periods may have undiagnosed iron deficiency.

Iron is vital. It helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, supports energy levels, and even plays a role in muscle function and brain health. When we don’t get enough of it, our bodies start using up stored iron. Once those reserves run dry, red blood cell production slows down—and that’s when fatigue, brain fog, and other symptoms of anaemia start to appear. Left untreated, it can lead to serious health consequences.

The plant-based paradox: A growing trend, a growing risk

At the same time, we’re seeing a global shift in how people eat. Millions are embracing plant-based diets, whether for health, environmental, or ethical reasons. In January 2025 alone, over 25 million people tried veganism. While not everyone sticks with it long-term, the trend is clear: plant-based eating is on the rise, and women are leading the way. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to follow vegan or plant-based diets.

But with this shift comes a new challenge: getting enough iron. Plant-based diets contain only non-heme iron, which the body doesn’t absorb as efficiently as the heme iron found in animal products. On top of that, certain compounds in plant foods—like phytic acid in grains and legumes, or soy protein—can further block iron absorption. For women already at greater risk of deficiency, this makes getting enough iron even harder.

Meet spirulina: A small plant with a big impact

That’s where spirulina comes in. This incredible blue-green algae is one of the most potent natural sources of plant-based iron available. Research has shown that spirulina can help raise haemoglobin levels and boost iron stores, particularly in people prone to deficiency. And not all spirulina is created equal. Zinzino’s SpiruMax+ tablets are made from Spirulina maxima, a variety that contains a staggering 132 mg of iron per 100 grams—that’s over 50 times more than spinach. One daily serving of SpiruMax+ (just 4 tablets) provides 2.4 mg of iron, or about 17% of the daily reference value (DRV) in Europe. For women, daily iron needs vary—starting at 11 mg per day after age 40, and rising to as much as 16 mg during menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. That makes SpiruMax a convenient, bioavailable, and entirely plant-based solution to help meet those needs without compromise.

A smarter way to reclaim your energy and balance

Iron deficiency might be common, but it doesn’t have to be your normal. With the right nutrition, tailored solutions, and a little support from nature, women can reclaim their energy, vitality, and balance - one smart choice at a time.