Overview

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is a common anemia that occurs when iron loss (often from intestinal bleeding or menses) occurs, and/or the dietary intake or absorption of iron is insufficient. In such a state, hemoglobin, which contains iron, cannot be formed.
it is the most common single cause of anemia worldwide, accounting for about half of all anemia cases. Estimates of iron deficiency world wide range very widely, but the number almost certainly exceeds one billion persons globally.
Anemias are a worldwide problem. Severe anemia affects mainly the elderly. The WHO defines anemia as a hemoglobin concentration of less than 12 g/dl in women and less than 13 g/dl in men. According to these criteria 10 to 20 percent of women and 6 to 30 percent of men above the age of 65 years are anemic. In this project we listed the diagnosis and causes of anemias also the treatment protocols. 
Nevertheless, iron deficiency remains globally the most important cause of anemia. There have been so many advances in the diagnosis and, in particular, the therapy of the anemias in recent years that it appeared necessary to extend the spectrum of therapies and diagnostic methods described.
Anemia is defined as a reduction in the oxygen carrying capacity of blood due to decreases in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and red blood cell (RBC) volume. However, anemia is not a diagnosis and thus further clinical investigations are indicated to define the underlying cause. The three mechanisms leading to anemia are blood loss, hemolysis, and reduced erythropoiesis. Although anemia may result from primary hematologic disorders, it is much more often associated with other organ disorders.