Iron deficiency in Bangladeshi women and the available treatment options to recover it

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional problem globally including Bangladesh and it poses a public health challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one third of the world population is suffering from iron deficiency and IDA affects over 1.2 billion people worldwide. Iron deficiency is found to be prevalent in 41.8 percent of the female population in Bangladesh. The risk of iron deficiency is especially high among women of reproductive age and premenopausal women. Pre-mature child birth, increased neonatal mortality, maternal death, poor brain performance, depression etc. are linked to iron deficiency. However, iron deficiency can be screened using hemoglobin concentration, while it can be confirmed by using serum ferritin concentration. Iron supplements (oral and intravenous dosage forms) can combat iron deficiency and cure it. This study aims to review the iron deficiency status of Bangladeshi women and to identify the best viable treatment options.