Boston, Massachusetts – A new study suggests that nearly one-third of Americans may have undiagnosed iron deficiency, a condition that can result in fatigue, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 8,000 adults in the United States, revealing that 14% had low iron levels and 15% had functional iron deficiency.
According to the researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, iron deficiency is a common yet underappreciated public health problem. The study aimed to shed light on the prevalence of the condition among individuals who are not typically screened for it. The lead author, Leo Buckley, emphasized the importance of identifying symptoms of iron deficiency, such as fatigue and brain fog, in order to target screening efforts more effectively.
Dr. Andrew Eisenberger, an associate professor of medicine at Columbia University, highlighted the impact of iron deficiency on quality of life, noting that many individuals may be “running on fumes” due to insufficient iron levels in their bodies. While anemia is commonly screened for in routine blood tests, iron deficiency can go undetected, leading to long-term health consequences.
The study, which analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, found that pregnant women are at especially high risk of iron deficiency. Dr. Johanna Contreras, an advanced heart failure specialist, emphasized the importance of monitoring iron levels in pregnant and postpartum women to prevent complications for both the mother and baby.
Experts also pointed out that individuals with inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be at risk for functional iron deficiency. Dietary factors, such as following a vegetarian or vegan diet, can also contribute to low iron levels. Good dietary sources of iron include red meat, seafood, shellfish, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, and iron-fortified foods.
While the study did not find conclusive evidence of serious long-term health consequences from iron deficiency, experts warned of potential risks, such as anemia-related complications like fainting, strokes, or heart attacks. Iron deficiency can also serve as a marker for underlying health issues, including heart failure and gastrointestinal bleeding, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.