Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2026
A Point-of-Care Method with Integrated Decision Support Tool to Estimate Anemia at Population Level
Published on: January 19, 2024
Temporal Trends in Absolute Iron Deficiency Among US Adults
Yahya Mk Tawfik1, Iman Af Aboelsaad2, Michael D Nelson3
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
The temporal trends in the prevalence of iron deficiency in the United States is incompletely defined.
Methods:
We examined trends in absolute iron deficiency among US adults using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999-2002 and 2017-2020 cycles. Iron deficiency was defined as a serum ferritin concentration below 30 ng/mL with a sensitivity analysis using below 15 ng/mL. A generalized linear model using a quasi-binomial identity link was used to estimate the age- and sex-adjusted absolute difference in iron deficiency prevalence between 1999-2002 and 2017-2020.
Results:
The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of absolute iron deficiency increased from 11.2% (95% CI, 10.4%-12.0%) in 1999-2002 to 14.2% (95% CI, 13.3%-15.2%) in 2017-2020, equivalent to 22.8 million in 1999-2002 and 32.3 million in 2017-2020. The age- and sex-adjusted absolute difference (95% CI) was +3.0% (+1.8% to +4.2%; P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Iron deficiency represents a common, treatable contributor to morbidity in the United States (32.3 million). Defining the primary drivers of the rising prevalence of iron deficiency and designing novel prevention and treatment strategies represent important public health initiatives.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...