NBC NEWS – Nearly 1 in 3 Americans may have an undiagnosed iron deficiency, a problem that can lead to fatigue, brain fog and difficulty concentrating, a new study suggests.
An analysis of data from more than 8,000 adults in the U.S. revealed that 14% had low iron blood levels, a condition known as absolute iron deficiency, while 15% had the right iron levels but their bodies couldn’t use the essential mineral properly, known as functional iron deficiency, according to the report published Tuesday in JAMA Network Open.
Doctors don’t typically screen adults for iron deficiency, which is why the condition has been overlooked in many people … continued below.
Craving and chewing ice: A sign of anemia? – Mayo Clinic
The term “pica” describes craving and chewing substances that have no nutritional value — such as ice, clay, soil or paper. Craving and chewing ice, known as pagophagia, is often associated with iron deficiency, with or without anemia, although the reason is unclear. A thorough medical evaluation can help determine if pica is due to an underlying medical condition. –
The researchers weren’t surprised at the results, however. There had been hints in other studies suggesting iron deficiency might be more widespread than doctors assume.
“This is a common yet underappreciated public health problem,” said study co-author Leo Buckley, a clinical pharmacology specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
“What’s unique about our study is we were looking at regular people who would not otherwise have been screened or tested.”
Hematologist Dr. Andrew Eisenberger, an associate professor of medicine at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, said that while iron deficiency “is almost never life-threatening, it’s a tremendous quality of life thing.”
“Tens of millions of people in the U.S. are basically running on fumes either because there isn’t enough fuel in the tank or because the tank isn’t connecting to the engine well,” said Eisenberger, who was not involved with the new research.
“In our society we are hardwired to be at peak performance. With this tremendous prevalence of iron deficiency, so many people can’t do their best.”
He hopes the study raises awareness among doctors and patients of how common the problem is.
Although doctors frequently screen for anemia — where a person has too few red blood cells due to low levels of iron — in routine blood tests, people can have enough red blood cells but still have an iron deficiency …
