Iron deficiency

Definition

Iron deficiency is defined as a condition in which there are no mobilizable iron stores and in which signs of a compromised supply of iron to tissues, including the erythron, are noted. The more severe stages of iron deficiency are associated with anaemia. Nutritional iron deficiency implies that the diet cannot supply enough iron to cover the body’s physiological requirements for this mineral. Populations most at risk for iron deficiency are infants, children, adolescents, and women of childbearing age, especially pregnant women. Iron deficiency with or without anaemia has important consequences for human health and child development: anaemic women and their infants are at greater risk of dying during the perinatal period; there is increased risk of low birth weight; children’s mental and physical development is delayed or impaired by iron deficiency.

Exclusions

• Iron deficiency anaemia

Index Terms