Anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia (IDA), affects nearly a quarter of the global population, driven predominantly by iron deficiency. This condition disproportionately impacts preschool children, pregnant and non-pregnant women, as well as individuals with chronic conditions such as kidney disease, cancer, or those undergoing certain surgeries. Iron homeostasis, critical to managing IDA, relies primarily on regulated absorption rather than excretion, with the peptide hormone hepcidin playing a crucial role by modulating iron uptake based on the body’s needs.

The complexity of IDA treatment is underscored by the variety of available therapies, each with specific indications and efficacy. Oral iron supplements, traditionally available in ferrous and ferric forms, often cause gastrointestinal side effects, whereas parenteral options offer alternative routes for those who cannot tolerate oral forms. However, each treatment approach has limitations concerning efficacy, side effects, and dosage constraints, leading to ongoing research and clinical trials aimed at improving outcomes. These efforts include exploring new iron formulations and delivery methods to enhance bioavailability and reduce adverse effects.

Reference: Kaur T, Upadhyay J, Nandave M, et al. Exploring progress in iron supplement formulation approaches for treating iron deficiency anemia through bibliometric and thematic analysis. Heliyon. 2024 Apr 4;10(7):e29058. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29058. PMID: 38623202; PMCID: PMC11016621.