Micronutrient Malnutrition

Iron

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency in the world. However, global data for iron deficiency does not exist and anemia is used as an indirect indicator. More than 2 billion people worldwide are anemic and much of it is due to iron-deficiency. Iron deficiency during childhood and adolescence impairs physical growth, mental development, and learning capacity. In adults, it reduces the capacity to do physical labor. Severe anemia increases the risk of women dying in childbirth.

The WHO estimates that most preschool children and pregnant women in developing countries and at least 30–40% in developed countries are iron deficient. The prevalence of anemia in developing countries is three to four times higher than that for developed countries. In developing countries, the most affected population groups are pregnant women (52%)—although all women age 15–59 years are affected (42%)—school-age children (48%), and preschool children (39%). Moreover, 45% of the elderly and 30% of adult men are anemic, highlighting that the problem extends to other population groups. The problem is more extensive in Southeast Asia and sub-tropical Africa where anemia is linked to poverty.

Updated Regional and Global Prevalence (%) and Numbers Affected by Anaemia

* Based on Year 1993 population estimates (United Nations, Population Division, World Population Prospects: The 2000 Revision)

WHO/UNICEF/UNU. Iron deficiency anaemia: assessment, prevention and control A guide for programme managers. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2001. (Document WHO/NHD/01.3)

Publications on Iron