Researchers in Indonesia are studying why some female medical students develop iron deficiency—a condition where the body doesn’t have enough iron to work properly. The study looks at two main causes: a specific gene that affects how the body controls iron, and lifestyle factors like diet and menstruation. Iron deficiency is a big health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries, and it can make it hard to concentrate in school and cause problems during pregnancy. By understanding what causes iron deficiency in young women, doctors hope to prevent it and help women stay healthy.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a specific gene variant and lifestyle factors (like diet, iron intake, and menstrual patterns) affect iron deficiency risk in young women
  • Who participated: 115 female medical students aged 18-24 years old in Yogyakarta, Indonesia who were not pregnant and had no serious chronic diseases
  • Key finding: This is an ongoing study that will examine how a gene called TMPRSS6 and everyday factors like eating habits and menstruation work together to cause iron deficiency
  • What it means for you: Understanding these causes may help doctors identify which young women are at higher risk for iron deficiency and prevent it before it causes problems with school performance or future pregnancies

The Research Details

This is a case-control study, which means researchers compare two groups: young women who have iron deficiency (the ‘cases’) and young women who don’t have it (the ‘controls’). By comparing these groups, scientists can figure out what factors make some women more likely to develop iron deficiency. The researchers recruited female medical students from one university in Indonesia and collected blood samples to measure iron levels and test for the specific gene variant. They also asked students about their diet, how much iron they eat, and their menstrual patterns.

This research approach is important because iron deficiency has many causes working together—it’s not just about one thing. By studying both genes and lifestyle factors at the same time, researchers can understand how they interact with each other. This helps doctors give better advice about preventing iron deficiency in young women.

This study is still ongoing (data collection started in February 2025 and will end in October 2025), so final results aren’t available yet. The researchers carefully selected participants to exclude people with other diseases that might affect iron levels, which makes the results more reliable. They used standard blood tests and genetic testing methods that are well-established in medical science. However, because the study only includes medical students from one university in Indonesia, the results may not apply to all young women everywhere.

What the Results Show

At the time this protocol was published, 115 female medical students had been enrolled in the study. The researchers plan to compare iron levels and blood markers between students with iron deficiency and those without it. They will also look at whether the TMPRSS6 gene variant is more common in students with iron deficiency. The study will use statistical tests to determine if differences between groups are real or just due to chance. Final results are expected to be published in 2026, so we don’t yet know what the study found.

The researchers will also examine how different lifestyle factors—such as diet quality, amount of iron eaten, menstrual patterns, and socioeconomic status—affect iron deficiency risk. They will look at whether the gene variant has a stronger effect in some groups than others, and whether certain combinations of genetic and lifestyle factors create the highest risk.

Iron deficiency is known to be very common in young women, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. Previous research shows that both genes and lifestyle factors matter, but this study is one of the first to carefully examine how they work together in this specific population. Understanding the TMPRSS6 gene’s role in Indonesian women could help explain why iron deficiency rates are so high in this region.

This study only includes medical students from one university, so results may not apply to all young women in Indonesia or other countries. Medical students may have different diets and lifestyles than other young women. The study is still collecting data, so we don’t yet know the final results. The researchers excluded people with certain health conditions, which means the findings may not apply to women with those conditions.

The Bottom Line

This study is still in progress, so no final recommendations can be made yet. Once results are published in 2026, they may help doctors identify young women at high risk for iron deficiency and suggest preventive measures like dietary changes or iron supplements. Women of reproductive age should discuss iron intake and screening with their doctors, especially if they have heavy periods or poor nutrition.

Young women aged 18-24, especially those planning to become pregnant, should care about this research. Medical students and other women with demanding schedules who may have poor eating habits should pay attention. Women in developing countries where iron deficiency is common will benefit most from these findings. This research is less relevant to men or post-menopausal women, who have lower iron deficiency risk.

Since this study is still collecting data through October 2025, results won’t be available until 2026. Once published, it may take several years for doctors to use these findings to change how they screen for and prevent iron deficiency in young women.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily iron intake (in milligrams) from food and supplements, along with energy levels and concentration during studying. Note menstrual cycle dates and flow intensity to identify patterns.
  • Use the app to log iron-rich foods eaten daily (red meat, beans, leafy greens, fortified cereals) and set reminders to eat iron-rich meals. Track symptoms like fatigue or difficulty concentrating to see if they improve with better iron intake.
  • Create a monthly dashboard showing total iron intake, menstrual patterns, and energy/concentration scores. Share this data with your doctor at annual checkups to identify iron deficiency risk early and adjust diet or supplements as needed.

This study is a research protocol that is still in progress; final results are not yet available. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you think you have iron deficiency, consult your doctor for proper testing and treatment. Do not start iron supplements without medical supervision, as too much iron can be harmful. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have existing health conditions should discuss iron intake with their healthcare provider before making changes.