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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
05:35
A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
Published on: January 19, 2024
Prevalence of Risk of Iron Deficiency
Bashar Alobeid1, Ruhaim Ali1, Norman Buckley2
1Department of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
Summary
Many women with chronic pain exhibit risk factors for iron deficiency (ID). Routine screening for ID and integrative management strategies may improve outcomes for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Women's Health
- Pain Management
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Iron deficiency (ID) is a common cause of anemia with symptoms overlapping chronic pain conditions.
- Iron is crucial for neurotransmitter synthesis, suggesting a link between ID and pain perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of iron deficiency risk factors in women attending a pain clinic.
- To explore the connection between iron deficiency and chronic pain in women.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 81 women at a single pain clinic.
- Utilized a validated questionnaire to evaluate risk factors for ID, including menstrual bleeding and supplementation history.
Main Results:
- 54% of participants were identified as high risk for iron deficiency.
- High prevalence of restless-leg syndrome (46%), history of anemia/ID (47%), and prior iron supplementation (41%) were observed.
Conclusions:
- A significant portion of women with chronic pain may have undiagnosed iron deficiency.
- Routine screening for ID and integrative management, including iron therapy, should be considered in pain management strategies.
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