Version July 2025
| Major risk factors |
| Heavy menstrual blood loss (>80 mL/month) |
| Underweight or malnourished |
| Alternative diets with low iron intake (eg, vegetarian or vegan)* |
| History of iron deficiency anemia |
| Bariatric surgery |
| Blood donation |
| Minor or conditional risk factors |
| Female sex |
| Chronic inflammatory conditions¶ |
| Athletes participating in endurance training |
| ObesityΔ |
| Celiac disease (if active) |
| Use of acid-suppressing medications (PPIs or H2 blockers) |
| Periods of rapid growth |
H2: histamine 2 receptor; PPI: proton pump inhibitor.
* Iron-rich foods include meats, eggs, iron-fortified cereals, and some legumes.
¶ Eg, inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatologic conditions.
Δ In the United States, obesity is a risk factor for iron deficiency in adolescents in both sexes but especially in females[1].