• Wala Eldin Osman Elradi
• Mohamed M. Babeker

Abstract Iron is a vital element that plays a major role in various physiological processes, including HB formation. oxygen transport adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, DNA synthesis, mitochondrial function , and cellular defense against oxidative stress . Iron deficiency often develops gradually and may remain clinically silent until it progresses to iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Iron - deficiency anemia is more commonly observed in females than in males and represents a major global health concern, affecting approximately one - third of the world's population. This narrative review study focused on the prevalence of iron - deficiency anemia among female university students. Data were extracted from multiple studies published in different journals (13 articles), with sample sizes ranging between 39 to 507 participants in each study. In the majority of cases, hematological parameters were found below the lower limit for the normal reference ranges for non - pregnant adult females, such as Hb, PCV, MCV, and RBCs. The other parameters, like serum iron and serum ferritin, are variable (normal or at the lower limit) . Moreover the study highlighted many gaps among female university students concerning IDA including awareness of risk factors and the importance of maintaining optimal iron levels. Besides that the geographical area covered by reviewed studies is one of the major limitations.

Keywords: Prevalence; Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA); Iron Deficiency (ID); Student; Female; Saudi Arabia.

"Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Female University Students in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence, Dietary Determinants, and Risk Factors-A Narrative Review", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no.a437-a443, September-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609053.pdf

"Iron Deficiency Anemia Among Female University Students in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence, Dietary Determinants, and Risk Factors-A Narrative Review", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 9, page no. ppa437-a443, September-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2609053.pdf