Who is at risk for developing iron deficiency anemia?
Groups at high risk include women of childbearing age (blood loss through menstruation); pregnant or lactating women with increased iron requirements; infants, children and adolescents, who experience rapid growth at different points in their development; and anyone with inadequate dietary intake of iron. In general, women have smaller stores of iron than men and have increased loss through menstruation. In men and postmenopausal women, gastrointestinal blood loss is a common cause of anemia, often associated with ulcers, use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), or certain types of cancer (esophagus, stomach, colon). 8. Where can I learn more? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published comprehensive recommendations on preventing and controlling iron deficiency in the U.S. According to the CDC, iron deficiency affects nearly 8 million adolescent girls and women of childbearing age, and approximately 700,000 young children (ages 1-2). The e
