30.09.2024.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that nearly 1 in 3 adults in the United States may suffer from some form of iron deficiency, even if they don’t have a health condition like anaemia, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease that would typically prompt screening. The research highlights two main types of iron deficiency:
• Absolute iron deficiency: found in about 14% of adults; this type occurs when there is a severe reduction or absence of stored iron in the body.
• Functional iron deficiency: affecting 15% of adults, this form happens when iron is present in the body but isn’t effectively mobilized to support bodily functions.
Why is iron important?
Iron is essential for many bodily functions, especially for producing haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Without enough iron, you might experience symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, restless leg syndrome, or even heart failure. Anaemia, a condition where blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells, can also develop.
Who is most at risk?
Certain groups are more prone to iron deficiency, including women who menstruate, pregnant individuals, children, vegetarians, and frequent blood donors. A 2022 study even suggested that more than 70% of iron deficiency cases among children and pregnant women may go undiagnosed.
Are you getting enough iron?
The researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and other institutions analyzed data from a sample of 8,021 adults across the United States, using information from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey. This survey included blood test assessments of iron levels taken between 2017 and 2020.
Interestingly, among adults who did not have conditions typically linked to iron deficiency – such as anaemia, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or pregnancy – 11% were found to have absolute iron deficiency, and 15% had functional iron deficiency.
Moreover, only 33% of adults with absolute iron deficiency and just 14% with functional iron deficiency had any medical reason that might prompt a screening. This means most individuals with iron deficiency would likely remain undiagnosed unless they specifically requested testing.
The study also revealed that iron supplement use was relatively low among those with iron deficiency. Only up to 35% of women and 18% of men with the condition reported taking any supplements.
If you’re concerned about your iron levels, you might want to consider boosting your intake by consuming iron-rich foods like lean meats, seafood, nuts, beans, lentils, and spinach.
Iron deficiency can often go unnoticed, but it can significantly impact your health. Even if you don’t fall into a high-risk group, consider discussing iron screening with your doctor and exploring dietary options to ensure you get enough of this essential mineral.
*Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.
SOURCE:
National Center for Biotechnology Information
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
