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What is iron deficiency?

Iron is a vital micronutrient needed for oxygen transport, cellular functions, and energy generation. It is a key component of haemoglobin, which helps red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Iron deficiency occurs when your body’s iron stores are depleted. If left untreated, progressive iron deficiency will eventually result in Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA).1

Facts About Iron Deficiency in Hong Kong

Local Prevalence

According to the DH's Population Health Survey 2020-22, the overall prevalence of iron deficiency in Hong Kong is 5.7%.2

High-Risk Group

It significantly affects 17.5% of local women of reproductive age (15–49 years), roughly 1 in every 6 women in this group. 2

Magnitude

Iron deficiency in Hong Kong is classified by the WHO as a "mild magnitude of public health problem." 2

Anaemia Definition

Anaemia is officially defined as having a haemoglobin (Hb) level below 12.0 g/dL in women and below 13.0 g/dL in men. 2

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency

While mild cases may have no symptoms, moderate to severe cases often present with physical and functional changes:2,3,4

Energy

Fatigue, tiredness, and low exercise tolerance.

Heart & Lungs

Shortness of breath and palpitations.

Neurological

Brain fog, dizziness, or headache.

Cravings

Pica (unusual cravings for non-food items like ice, clay, or paper).

Legs

Restless legs syndrome (pins and needles in legs).

Physical Signs

Pale skin, smooth tongue, or spoon-shaped brittle nails.

Facts

FACTS about iron deficiency

Symptoms

SYMPTOMS of iron deficiency

Causes

CAUSES of iron deficiency

Treatment

TREATMENT of iron deficiency

References:

  1. Department of Health. (2024, August). Iron status. Non-communicable Disease Branch, Centre for Health Protection. https://www.chp.gov.hk
  2. Department of Health. (2024). Thematic report on iron status (Population Health Survey 2020-22). Non-Communicable Disease Branch, Centre for Health Protection.
  3. Iolascon, A., et al. (2024). Recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. HemaSphere, 8(7). https://doi.org/10.1002/hem3.108 Cited by: 145
  4. Montoro, M., et al. (2022). Indications and hemoglobin thresholds for red blood cell transfusion and iron replacement in adults with gastrointestinal bleeding: An algorithm proposed by gastroenterologists and patient blood management experts. Frontiers in Medicine, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.903739
  5. Soppi, E. (2019). Iron deficiency without anemia – Common, important, neglected. Clinical Case Reports and Reviews, 5(4), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.15761/CCRR.1000456
  6. Lopez, A., Cacoub, P., Macdougall, I. C., & Peyrin-Biroulet, L. (2016). Iron deficiency anaemia. The Lancet, 387(10021), 907-916. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60805-3
  7. Monofer SmPC