Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Chronic Disease—Common, Important, and Treatable

Iron has many important functions related to energy metabolism. However, hemoglobin synthesis is always a priority. Iron deficiency can be caused by increased loss, insufficient intake, or decreased absorption from the intestine and reduced release from depots in systemic inflammation. Anemia appears when stores are depleted or when utilization of iron from the stores is impaired. Treatment with oral iron is the first choice when the intestine is healthy, and the patient is free of inflammation. Intravenous iron is indicated when oral iron is ineffective or not tolerated and if more rapid correction is clinically indicated as in severe anemia not requiring transfusion.