One of the primary drivers of functional iron deficiency and anemia is inflammation. The article “Hot Topic: Iron Deficiency and Inflammatory Conditions” by the Institute for Functional Medicine, offers insights into how iron deficiency is related to chronic inflammation.
1. The Prevalence of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is surprisingly common among healthy adults in the U.S.
- Absolute Iron Deficiency: An estimated 14% of adults experience this, meaning their total body iron stores are low.
- Functional Iron Deficiency: Affects an estimated 15% of adults. In this case iron stores may appear normal, but the body has insufficient available iron for its metabolic needs. This is often due to iron being “locked away” or poorly utilized.
2. The Masking Effect of Inflammation
Inflammatory conditions can obscure the detection of iron deficiency.
- Inflammation can alter iron metabolism, making it difficult to accurately assess iron status using standard markers.
- Individuals with underlying inflammation might have iron deficiency that goes unnoticed, as conventional tests might not fully reflect the true picture of iron availability.
3. Key Considerations for Assessment
Based on the study’s findings, here are important points to consider when assessing for iron deficiency:
- The study suggests that it is worthwhile to consider testing for iron deficiency even in the absence of signs of anemia. Traditionally, iron deficiency is often suspected only when anemia (low red blood cell count or hemoglobin) is present. However, iron deficiency can exist independently of anemia.
- The research found a significant association between a higher body mass index (BMI) and an increased risk of functional iron deficiency. These individuals may have low-grade systemic inflammation, could be at greater risk for this type of iron deficiency.
4. Implications and Next Steps
Proactive Testing: Healthcare providers might consider a lower threshold for testing iron status, especially in individuals with inflammatory conditions or higher BMIs, even if they don’t present with classic symptoms of anemia.
Comprehensive Evaluation: A thorough evaluation should consider not just iron levels, but also markers of inflammation, to get a clearer picture of iron metabolism.
https://www.ifm.org/articles/hot-topic-iron-deficiency-inflammatory-conditions