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Why nutritional iron deficiency persists as a worldwide problem.
1Department of Internal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA. snlnch6@gmail.com
The Journal of Nutrition
|March 4, 2011
Summary
Despite decades of iron fortification, nutritional iron deficiency (ID) remains a global challenge affecting billions. Future efforts must address complex factors and integrate innovative strategies for effective prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutritional Science
- Iron Metabolism
Background:
- Nutritional iron deficiency (ID) affects 1.5-2 billion people globally, despite widespread iron fortification efforts since the 1940s.
- The limited impact of current policies in developing nations stems from complex factors including prevalence uncertainty, under-recognized links to productivity and morbidity, safety concerns, and delivery challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the persistent global challenge of nutritional iron deficiency.
- To identify barriers to effective iron deficiency reduction policies.
- To highlight emerging strategies and future directions for combating iron deficiency worldwide.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical iron fortification data and nutritional iron deficiency prevalence studies.
- Analysis of factors influencing the efficacy of public health interventions for iron deficiency.
- Examination of advancements in iron assessment tools and delivery methods.
Main Results:
- Nutritional iron deficiency remains highly prevalent globally, impacting billions.
- Complex socioeconomic, health, and technical factors hinder the effectiveness of iron fortification policies.
- Despite challenges, advancements in assessment, delivery, and integrated strategies offer promise for future reductions.
Conclusions:
- A multi-faceted approach is required to significantly reduce global iron deficiency.
- Integrating iron nutrition strategies with broader health, economic, and social policies is crucial.
- Continued innovation in assessment and delivery of bioavailable iron is essential for future success.
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