Beyond Anemia: A Comprehensive Analysis of Iron Deficiency Symptoms in Women and Their Correlation with Biomarkers

This study involving 239 female patients with iron deficiency examined symptoms associated with non-anemic iron deficiency (NAID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). It found that both conditions are linked to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, alopecia, and neuropsychiatric issues, which are often under-recognized. On average, patients experienced 16.5 symptoms, with neuropsychiatric symptoms being particularly prevalent among NAID patients. The study identified transferrin saturation as a more reliable biomarker than hemoglobin for diagnosing and managing iron deficiency symptoms. However, the study's findings may be limited by its single-hospital setting, and future research should explore causal relationships and other micronutrients.