According to research from 1999 to 2018, the rates of iron deficiency anemia and mortality (death) associated with the condition have continued to rise in the United States.
This article discusses how common iron deficiency anemia is, who is the most affected, and the associated mortality rates.
Iron Deficiency Anemia Overview
Iron deficiency anemia is a blood disorder that develops when a person’s blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells. The cause of this form of anemia is a lack of iron (iron deficiency). The body uses iron to produce a protein found in red blood cells.
This protein assists the cells in carrying oxygen throughout the body. When someone suffers from iron deficiency anemia, there is a lack of viable red blood cells, and oxygen isn’t transported appropriately.
How Common Is Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. Millions of people have the condition, and research shows that as many as 2% to 5% of females and 1% to 2% of males in the United States have iron deficiency anemia.
These numbers have continued to rise since 1999. The number of people with iron deficiency anemia is expected to grow over the next few years.
Iron Deficiency Anemia by Ethnicity
Iron deficiency anemia does not affect all ethnicities equally. Americans of non-Hispanic Black descent are the most likely to develop iron deficiency anemia and account for the majority of cases.
Iron Deficiency Anemia by Age and Gender
Women and children are far more likely to develop iron deficiency than men. That is especially true for women of reproductive age, pregnant women, or those with heavy periods. Higher-risk age groups also include infants, children, and teens.
Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia and Risk Factors
According to the American Society of Hematology, there are several causes associated with iron deficiency anemia. They include:
Lack of iron in the diet Menstruation Experiencing physical trauma or injury that results in blood loss Recent major surgery Blood loss from nosebleeds, kidney or bladder disease, or gastrointestinal disease Donating blood frequently
Some factors can increase a person’s risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, such as:
Heavy menstrual periods Being pregnant or recently having had a baby Breastfeeding Gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease Peptic ulcers Recently undergoing bariatric surgical procedures such as gastric bypass Eating a vegetarian or vegan diet Cancer Heart failure In children, drinking more than 16 ounces of cow’s milk each day
What are the Mortality Rates for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Research has found that the rates of mortality caused by iron deficiency anemia have increased slightly from 0.04 to 0.08 deaths per 100,000 people between 1999 and 2018. Women are more likely to experience death from iron deficiency anemia than men, and between 1999 and 2018, 1,414 males and 2,570 females have died from the condition.
Women of African descent are the most likely to experience the highest mortality rates at 0.07 per 100,000 people.
While iron deficiency anemia can cause death in severe cases on its own, it correlates with other possibly life-threatening diseases such as heart disease, depression, and neurological deficits.
While these statistics may seem alarming, the overall survival rate of iron deficiency anemia is high because it is easy to treat and is rarely severe enough to cause death.
Screening and Early Detection
Screening to detect iron deficiency anemia early is an excellent step to take if you are at an increased risk or are experiencing symptoms. While the death rate for the condition is low, it is always best to treat an iron deficiency as early as possible because prolonged iron deficiency anemia can turn severe and lead to lasting organ damage.
If you have a preexisting health condition, having an iron deficiency can also hinder your treatment for that condition or make the symptoms associated with the disorder worse. Other issues that can develop if it is left untreated include:
Frequent infections due to a weakened immune system Heart failure Pregnancy complications
Screening and early detection are essential. If every person with the condition finds out early, the mortality rates could be drastically reduced or eliminated.
The tests used to screen for iron deficiency anemia are blood tests, one of which is known as a complete blood count (CBC). It can record the number of red blood cells, their size, and how much of the blood is made up of these cells. Other tests may include:
Peripheral smear: A blood test used to examine red and white blood cells and blood platelets Reticulocyte count: A blood test examining the number of immature red blood cells in the blood Serum iron indices: A blood test that measures iron levels in the blood
Summary
Iron deficiency anemia is a widespread condition that develops when a person lacks enough iron in their diet. Almost one-third of the worldwide population has iron deficiency anemia. Most cases are found in women and children, although as men age, cases in males continue to increase.
Americans of non-Hispanic Black descent are the most likely to develop iron deficiency anemia over other ethnicities. While the condition is prevalent and treatable, leaving it untreated can lead to death in very rare cases.
