Shine project
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Shine project
The Shine Project is the first university-wide screening initiative in the world to tackle anaemia, heavy menstrual bleeding, and iron deficiency head-on - right here at the University of East London.
We’re on a mission to change how women’s health is understood, diagnosed, and supported - starting with students.
What we’re doing
Led by Professor Toby Richards and powered by students, the Shine Project is screening thousands of female students to uncover and address iron deficiency - an incredibly common but often overlooked issue. We’re not just raising awareness – we’re offering practical support and delivering real results. This initiative is part of the University’s Year of Health and is designed to empower women, transform academic outcomes, and improve day-to-day wellbeing.
I’m incredibly proud to be working on a project that can have such an immediate impact on women’s health. It’s rare to find a research opportunity where you can see the difference it’s making, right from the very beginning.”
- Isabela Dragescu, research student
What Professor Toby Richards says
There is no screening programme for anaemia or heavy menstrual bleeding or iron deficiency. Yet it’s a common disease, readily identifiable, and easily treatable. We know iron deficiency is associated with ADHD-like symptoms, anxiety, and poor mental performance.
Just treating the deficiency can have profound effects. We’re looking to improve the outcome of our female students with some really simple interventions and giving them the information they need to understand their own bodies better.”
Why it matters
Iron deficiency can affect everything - your mood, your energy, your focus, and your performance in class or at work. And yet, so many people live with it undiagnosed.
We’re changing that.
- Pop-up testing stands are already in place across UEL campuses
- Hundreds of samples already taken and analysed
- Early results suggest a clear link between low iron levels and low mood
- All run with the help of student researchers gaining real-world clinical experience
Whether you’re here as a student, a health advocate, or a supporter - there’s a role for you in this project.
Help us keep shining
The Shine Project is already making a difference improving health, boosting confidence, and helping students reach their full potential. But there's so much more we can do. With your support, we can extend screenings and reach more women. Every contribution helps us reach one more student who might otherwise go unnoticed.
Iron deficiency FAQs
How common is iron deficiency?
- 12–15% of women aged 15–50 are iron deficient
- Women are particularly vulnerable due to menstruation and pregnancy
- Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world
What are the common causes?
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Poor diet or low iron intake
- Blood donation
- Malabsorption or chronic illness
- Pregnancy and postpartum depletion
What are the symptoms?
- Fatigue, dizziness, and pale skin
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hair loss and brittle nails
- Restless legs, cravings for non-food items (like ice)
- Low mood and anxiety
How can it impact my general health?
- Reduced academic and work performance
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety
- Long-term complications if untreated
What are my daily iron intake needs?
- Teen girls (14-18): 15 mg
- Women (19-50): 18 mg
- Pregnant women: 27 mg
- Post-menopausal women: 8 mg
- (May vary according to diet etc)
What are good sources of iron in food?
- Heme iron (better absorbed): red meat, liver, poultry, fish
- Non-heme iron: lentils, beans, tofu, spinach, kale, fortified cereals
- Boost absorption with vitamin C (citrus, strawberries, peppers)
- Avoid tea, coffee or calcium close to meals to maximise uptake
Stay informed. Stay strong.
Whether you’re curious, concerned, or just want to take control of your health, the Shine Project is here for you.
Contact us
To contact the Shine Clinic for more information, email Shineproject@uel.ac.uk.
Or if you have a media enquiry, email press@uel.ac.uk.