A groundbreaking study conducted between 2017 and 2020 has raised serious concerns about the widespread prevalence of absolute and functional iron deficiency among adults in the United States. Alarmingly, these deficiencies were identified even in individuals who do not suffer from anemia, heart failure (HF), or chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Led by a team from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the findings indicate that a significant section of the U.S. population faces the dangers of iron deficiency, particularly among those who might not be aware of any risk factors. These revelations align with similar studies from Europe that have also documented high rates of absolute iron deficiency in adults.

According to Leo F. Buckley, PharmD, and his research team, the results of this cross-sectional study are troubling. “This research highlights that both absolute and functional iron deficiency impact a large portion of adults in the U.S., particularly among those who aren’t typically screened for such conditions,” they emphasized.

Iron deficiency can lead to serious health problems, often requiring dietary changes or over-the-counter iron supplements. However, there has been a lack of comprehensive studies evaluating the current usage of these supplements in the U.S. To tackle this hidden health crisis, experts are calling for more targeted screening recommendations and research to identify which demographics are most at risk for iron deficiency-related complications.

To conduct this analysis, researchers examined data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2017 to 2020. They specifically focused on 8,021 non-institutionalized adults aged 18 and over. Absolute iron deficiency was defined as a serum ferritin level below 30 ng/mL, while functional iron deficiency was indicated by a ferritin level above this threshold, along with transferrin saturation below 20%.

The results were staggering. Approximately 14% of U.S. adults were found to meet the criteria for absolute iron deficiency, while around 15% displayed signs of functional iron deficiency. Even among adults who did not have anemia, heart failure, kidney disease, or were pregnant, 11% were estimated to have absolute iron deficiency, with an even higher rate of functional iron deficiency at 15%.

Women appeared to be disproportionately affected compared to men across all age groups. For example, the prevalence of absolute iron deficiency climbed to nearly 34% among women aged 18 to 50 years. Notably, while men aged 65 and older showed a lower prevalence of absolute iron deficiency at 7%, men were still at risk and exhibited significant rates of functional deficiency.

Interestingly, the use of iron supplements varied significantly between genders and age groups. About 22% to 35% of women and 12% to 18% of men with iron deficiencies reported using iron supplements, pointing to a critical gap in awareness and treatment.

In conclusion, Buckley and his colleagues urge the healthcare community to delve deeper into the implications of functional iron deficiency and enhance screening strategies. Recognizing the distinct causes and treatments for absolute and functional iron deficiency could ultimately lead to more effective management practices.

“Understanding the age- and sex-related patterns of iron deficiency is essential for developing tailored interventions,” the team asserted. “Future research must address the link between functional iron deficiency and adverse health outcomes, as well as optimize screening methods.”

The implications of this study are profound. With millions of Americans potentially at risk, it's high time to reconsider how we approach iron deficiency and its silent, detrimental effects on health. Are you among the unknowing victims of iron deficiency? It may be time to check your levels!