Episode 9: Let’s Iron It Out
In our ninth podcast, “Let’s Iron It Out”, our guest is Dr. Amanda Jacobson Kelly, who is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the division of hematology-oncology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Ohio State University College of Medicine. We will discuss the diagnosis and management of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Across the world, iron deficiency accounts for up to three-quarters of all anemia cases. In fact, it’s recognized by the World Health Organization as the most common micronutrient deficiency and is a top 10 cause of disability affecting more than 20% of females. Iron is important for a variety of reasons, including the production of hemoglobin as well as mitochondrial energy metabolism, and many enzymatic processes, including myocardial and skeletal muscle activity, the production of neurotransmitters, and the function of the immune system. Iron deficiency, even without the presence of anemia, has been associated with both physical and cognitive impairment. Iron deficiency occurs as a result of insufficient intake, most often due to diet or poor absorption or iron loss, most often due to bleeding symptoms.