Iron deficiency. Current trends and fads
Herrmann, R.P.
Australian Family Physician 23(8): 1457-1461
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-8495 PMID: 7980145 Document Number: 424540
Anaemia due to iron deficiency remains the commonest form of anaemia world-wide, predominantly due to blood loss, either associated with infestations such as hook worm or menstrual blood loss, or malnutrition. In Australia, iron deficiency anaemia is the commonest form of anaemia and is seen in pregnant and breastfeeding females where the iron balance is often in a negative state. Fads and fallacies abound, particularly in this group. Despite extensive knowledge of iron metabolism, diagnosis of iron deficiency often remains a difficult problem. The use of diagnostic tests available is discussed in this article.