Iron deficiency: causes, consequences, and strategies to overcome this nutritional problem

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2003 Jul;94(1):1-32. doi: 10.1385/BTER:94:1:1.

Abstract

Iron deficiency and anemia affect a substantial portion of the world's population, provoking severe health problems to the people suffering these conditions, as well as important economic losses to the regions in which this nutritional deficiency is significant. In this work, the principal causes and consequences produced by this deficiency are discussed, as well as the different strategies that can be applied in order to prevent and solve this nutritional problem.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency* / complications
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency* / etiology
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency* / prevention & control
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Food, Fortified
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intestinal Absorption
  • Iron / metabolism
  • Iron Compounds / metabolism
  • Iron Compounds / pharmacology
  • Iron Deficiencies*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutrition Disorders / diet therapy
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Iron Compounds
  • Iron