New iron deficiency standards for diagnosis released

(NewsNation) — The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has adjusted the standards for diagnosing iron deficiency in order to address the underdiagnosis of the condition.

Iron deficiency impacts about two billion people worldwide and about 10 million American adults, according to a statement published by ASH. If left untreated, the condition can progress to iron deficiency anemia. One of the most common types of anemia.

It occurs when there's a lack of iron in the blood, preventing the body from making hemoglobin. This is the molecule that carries oxygen throughout your body, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

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"Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are among the most common yet neglected medical conditions globally," ASH President Dr. Robert S. Negrin said in the statement.

"Many patients live with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness or difficulty concentrating for months or even years before iron deficiency is recognized. These guidelines are an important step toward closing that gap by helping clinicians diagnose iron deficiency earlier and more accurately, so more patients can receive the care they need."

Iron deficiency is diagnosed through a blood test that looks at the ferritin in your blood, the blood protein that contains iron, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The new regulation raises the ferritin threshold from 12 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) to 20 ng/ml for children 9 months old to 4 years old. Adults can be diagnosed with iron deficiency with 30 or less ng/ml; the previous threshold was 15 ng/ml.

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People who are considered at high risk for developing iron deficiency include people with gastrointestinal issues, dietary restrictions, women who are pregnant or menstruating, or who have other chronic health conditions. About 70% of undiagnosed people fall under one of the high-risk categories, according to the statement.

The new guidance means people who previously didn't meet the criteria may now have ferritin levels low enough to be diagnosed. The ASH recommends that people speak with their doctors about having their ferritin levels tested under the new criteria.