Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA): A Review

Anemia is described as a group of conditions that result from an inability of erythropoietin tissues to maintain normal hemoglobin concentration on an account of inadequate supply of one or more nutrients leading to a reduction in the total circulating hemoglobin. It can occur due to poor vegetarian diet, malabsorption of iron, hookworm infections, excessive blood loss, menstruation and childbirth. The adverse effects of anemia include low birth weight, reduced immune-competence, poor cognitive development, behavioral complications, reduced work capacity, and maternal mortality. Serum ferritin is the most sensitive and preferred initial diagnostic test for IDA. Dietary diversification, supplementation, and fortification of staple foods and nutrition education, are the best tool to combat iron deficiency anemia.