This website is intended for members of the public. If you are a healthcare professional, please visit our healthcare professional website.

What is iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia?

Iron deficiency (ID) is a condition resulting from too little iron in the body – the most common nutritional deficiency and the leading cause of anaemia in the world.

ID without anaemia occurs when someone has normal haemoglobin levels but below normal serum ferritin and/or transferrin saturation. Iron deficiency with anaemia (IDA) occurs when a person has low values of both serum ferritin and haemoglobin.

Even though ID and IDA is common, a lot of people don’t know they have it. It’s possible to suffer for years without ever realising the cause.

If you are concerned about ID or IDA, please speak to your healthcare professional.