Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are the most common nutrient deficiency especially in reproductive – aged women. This study carried out to determine prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in rural women of Ilam , in 1995.

Thus result showed that 23.8% of all women had iron deficiency and, in pregnant, lactating, and non-pregnant , non-lactating, women it was 40% , 28.3%, and 17.8%, respectively. Prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in all women, pregnant, lactating and non-lactating women, was found 3.8%. 9.1%, 2.9%. and 2.2% , respectively. In non-iron deficient women the mean (SD) of serum ferritin was 19.1 (1.83) g / l and 30% of this group had low ferritin (<12).

However iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia still remained common in women with childbearing age, especially during pregnancy.