The impact of our research
Iron deficiency affects more people worldwide than any other condition.
QIMR Berghofer researchers are conducting a world-first study of pregnant women with iron deficiency to reduce the side effects of existing treatments.
We’ve discovered that a potential new iron supplement could reduce some of the debilitating side effects associated with existing treatments.
About iron deficiency
People who are iron deficient can't absorb enough iron from their diet to meet their nutritional requirements. Its more severe form is iron deficiency anaemia.
Both iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are major global health problems. They are most common in young children, adolescents, and women of child-bearing age.
Many factors contribute to iron deficiency. The most common causes are:
- not getting enough iron in your diet
- rapid growth, especially during infancy and adolescence
- blood loss through menstruation or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Iron deficiency is incredibly common among the Aboriginal community. Up to 90% of Aboriginal children have iron deficiency anaemia between 6 and 24 months of age.
Iron deficiency affects 79% of children aged 5–14, and 72% of women over the age of 14.
Children who are iron deficient can have impaired cognitive development, while adults can have diminished mental function and capacity to work. These symptoms are more pronounced for those with iron deficiency anaemia. Pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia are more at risk of premature birth or having a baby with a low birth weight, as well as higher rates of maternal morbidity.
Although most people with iron deficiency live in developing nations, it remains a significant issue in developed countries. Estimates from Australia suggest that 8% of preschool children and 12% of pregnant women are iron deficient.
Oral iron supplements are the most widely used and cost-effective treatment for iron deficiency. However, they often come with gastrointestinal side effects, which can cause people to stop treatment. Iron supplements also trigger unfavourable changes in the intestinal microbiome.
Intravenous iron infusions are increasingly used to treat iron deficiency, particularly if the deficiency is severe. While iron infusions are effective, they can lead to low blood phosphate levels and permanent localised skin discolouration.
The medical research community hopes to develop a safe and effective oral iron supplement with fewer side effects.
Facts about iron deficiency
Our iron deficiency research
Led by Associate Professor David Frazer, this group aims to improve the health of people with iron-related conditions such as iron deficiency and the iron loading disorder hereditary haemochromatosis, both of which affect a surprisingly high number of Australians.
“Iron is a double-edged sword. The body has to play a real balancing act. If you have too little iron, you become iron deficient and you become lethargic. If you have too much iron it can damage cells, DNA, and cause all sorts of complications.”
Associate Professor David Frazer