Absolute iron deficiency can be treated with iron supplements, and functional iron deficiency is managed by treating the underlying conditions leading to it, Buckley said, adding that the long-term consequences of functional iron deficiency remain under investigation. Absolute iron deficiency was also common among older women and men, a group that may be more susceptible to the effects of iron deficiency,” he said. Even among adults without conditions that may be associated with iron deficiency – anemia, heart failure, chronic kidney disease or pregnancy – the estimated prevalence of absolute iron deficiency was 11% and that of functional iron deficiency was 15%. Only about 33% of the adults with absolute iron deficiency and 14% of adults with functional iron deficiency had a potential medical reason to screen for iron deficiency, such as anemia, heart failure, chronic kidney disease or pregnancy. However, we know that iron deficiency can cause symptoms before a patient becomes anemic, as anemia is a late-stage manifestation of iron deficiency,” he said.

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Persons: Dr, Leo Buckley, Buckley, ”, “, menstruate, Jacob Cogan, Cogan, ” Cogan, Sanjay Gupta, Theodore Strange, ” Strange Organizations: CNN, United States –, JAMA, of Pharmacy, Brigham, Women’s, Women’s Hospital, National Health, University of Minnesota, CNN Health, Northwell’s Staten Island University Hospital Locations: United States, Boston, Northwell’s