How to investigate and treat iron deficiency

Remember

• Particular groups are at increased risk of iron deficiency, such as toddlers, boys aged between 11 and 14 years, and women of reproductive age.
• Three stages of iron deficiency may be identified. They range in severity from depleted iron stores, through iron deficient erythropoiesis (in which an effect on haemoglobin production may not be evident), to frank iron deficiency anaemia.
• Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of a hypochromic, microcytic anaemia (Figure). Other important causes include thalassaemia and the anaemia of chronic disease.