Iron deficiency and anemia resulting from other nutritional deficiencies

Abstract: Summary Anemias caused by nutritional deficiencies represent a significant public health concern, as they affect a considerable proportion of the population. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia worldwide. Anemias due to vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies are also well-documented and relatively common, unlike those caused by other nutritional deficiencies, which are more often associated with malabsorption or malnutrition syndrome, rather than isolated nutrient deficit. In the developed countries, iron deficiency anemia is rarely attributed to nutritional disorders. Instead, it is most commonnly caused by the chronic blood loss, particularly among women of reproductive age. Treatment should focus on addressing the underlying cause of bleeding, alongside iron replacement therapy, which may be administered orally, parenterally, or, in rare cases, through blood transfusion. Vitamin B12 and/or folic acid deficiency results in megaloblastic anemia. One of the primary causes is pernicious anemia. In addition to the typical signs of anemia, patients often present with cytopenia and neurological symptoms related to demyelination.

Key words:
anemia; folic acid; iron deficiency; vitamin B12