The Rise of Iron-Deficiency Anemia in the United States

Key Takeaways:

• Iron is a crucial component that helps produce hemoglobin in red blood cells and its deficiency leads to anemia, which causes symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, dizziness or weakness, potentially escalating to heart failure.
• A decline of 6.6% in men and 9.5% in women was seen in dietary iron intake from 1999 to 2018, attributed to changes in farming methodologies and a shift towards low-carb diets away from fortified cereal.
• Increased consumption of chicken over iron-rich red meat has also led to decreased iron intake.
• Iron-deficiency anemia has seen a rise in recent years, with the increased risk observed primarily among women and African Americans.
• Intake of plant-based iron can be enhanced by consuming vitamin C-rich foods, however, an excess of iron can cause toxicity.

The prevalence of iron-deficiency anemia in the United States is increasing significantly. This is stated by esteemed medical researchers Dr. Ian Griffin and Dr. Marta Rogido, who practice at a highly-regarded biomedical research institute in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey.

Understanding Iron’s Role

Iron is an essential element that helps produce hemoglobin, a crucial component of red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. The development of anemia ensues from a decline in red blood cells, leading to symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, or weakness. If left untreated, anemia can further deteriorate one’s health, potentially causing heart failure, according to significant medical bodies.

Trends in Anemia Rates and Dietary Iron Intake

The researchers used three vast government databases to monitor trends in anemia rates, dietary iron intake from US food products, and deaths caused by iron-deficiency anemia from 1999 to 2018.

Throughout this period, dietary iron intake saw a decrease of 6.6% in men and 9.5% in women. This resulted from declining iron levels in more than 500 evaluated food items, including pork, turkey, fruits, vegetables, corn, and beans.

This decline is primarily attributed to changes in farming methodologies. Previous studies had cited the push to escalate crop yield per acre and irrigation runoff as principal reasons for these modifications.

A notable dietary shift is the rise in chicken consumption, supplanting red meat for health reasons. Red meat, however, is a richer iron source, states study contributor Connie Weaver, Professor Emerita of Nutrition Science at a leading university.

“Iron intake is increased by fortified grains and cereals. Nevertheless, the popularization of low-carb diets and a shift away from fortified cereal has also led to a decreased iron intake,” Weaver provides.

The Resulting Impacts and Potential Solutions

There was an observed increase in deaths caused by iron-deficiency anemia and a higher need for serious anemia treatments during the study duration. The risk was most significant among women and African Americans.

“Future agricultural practices could be ameliorated to boost iron content in foods, particularly through the selection of seeds/lines with higher mineral content,” recommends Weaver.

The results of the study were published in an issue of a reputable nutritional journal.

Echoes from the Healthcare Community

Jessica Shapiro, an associate wellness and nutrition manager at a reputable health system, reviewed the study’s findings. “Iron-deficiency anemia has certainly seen a rise in the recent years. Diagnostic blood tests can be used to detect this, and dietary changes and supplements are generally administered to increase iron levels,” she suggested.

“I always prioritize dietary solutions when treating iron deficiency,” stated Shapiro.

There are two types of iron – heme and non-heme. Heme iron is derived from animal products like red meat and has better absorption rates than non-heme iron found in plant-based products such as lentils, spinach, kidney beans, nuts, and some dried fruits like raisins,” further explained Shapiro.

The body’s absorption of plant-based iron can be enhanced by vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, she added.

However, Shapiro cautions that iron can be a two-edged sword. While its deficiency causes anemia, an excess leads to iron overload, which is potentially toxic.

Looking for More Information?

For more information about iron deficiency anemia and potential treatment options, click here.