Why does iron deficiency anemia continue to affect nearly one-third of the global population despite advances in nutrition and healthcare?
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains one of the most widespread and persistent public health challenges worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency globally, affecting approximately 30% of the world’s population. The condition disproportionately impacts children, women of reproductive age, and pregnant women, while adult men are also vulnerable depending on health status, dietary patterns, and socioeconomic conditions.
This Iron Deficiency Anemia Epidemiology Forecast provides a comprehensive analysis of historical, current, and projected disease burden across the eight major markets (8MM)—the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan, and India—during the forecast period of 2026–2035, with 2025 as the base year and 2019–2025 as the historical period.
Iron Deficiency Anemia Epidemiology Forecast: Report Overview
Expert Market Research’s “Iron Deficiency Anemia Epidemiology Forecast Report 2026–2035” delivers an in-depth assessment of:
Prevalence and incidence trends
Diagnosed patient populations
Age- and gender-based disease distribution
Regional and country-level epidemiology
Historical patterns and future projections
The report evaluates how demographic shifts, nutritional status, healthcare access, public health initiatives, and socioeconomic factors shape the global iron deficiency anemia landscape.
Iron Deficiency Anemia Disease Overview
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition characterized by low hemoglobin levels due to insufficient iron availability, impairing the body’s ability to produce healthy red blood cells. As iron is essential for oxygen transport, deficiency can result in reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.
Common Symptoms
Chronic fatigue and weakness
Pale or yellowish skin
Shortness of breath
Headache and dizziness
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Reduced cognitive and physical performance
Key Risk Factors
Poor dietary iron intake
Menstruation and pregnancy
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Parasitic infections
Chronic inflammatory diseases
Genetic predisposition
Lead exposure
Low socioeconomic status
Iron deficiency anemia is often underdiagnosed, particularly in low- and middle-income regions, contributing to its high global disease burden.
Global Epidemiology of Iron Deficiency Anemia
How widespread is iron deficiency anemia globally?
Iron deficiency anemia affects nearly 2 billion people worldwide, making it the leading cause of anemia across all age groups.
Key global epidemiological insights include:
30% of the global population is affected by iron deficiency anemia
40% of children aged 6–59 months suffer from anemia
37% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic
30% of women aged 15–49 years are affected
Menstruation and gastrointestinal bleeding are the most common causes in women
Iron deficiency accounts for the majority of anemia cases, underscoring its significance as a global health priority.
Iron Deficiency Anemia Number of Cases by Year: Trends and Projections
The iron deficiency anemia epidemiology forecast evaluates historical case trends from 2019–2025 and projects future disease burden through 2035.
Key influencing variables include:
Population growth and aging
Nutritional transitions
Healthcare access improvements
Public health interventions
Diagnostic awareness
Despite gradual improvements in some regions, the absolute number of cases is expected to remain high, particularly in emerging economies with large populations.
Age and Gender-Based Epidemiology
Children
Children are among the most affected due to:
Rapid growth requiring higher iron intake
Poor dietary diversity
Increased vulnerability to infections
Anemia in children is associated with impaired cognitive development, reduced immunity, and poor academic performance.
Women of Reproductive Age
Women face elevated risk due to:
Menstrual blood loss
Increased iron demand during pregnancy
Nutritional deficiencies
According to a qualitative study published in Nutrition (2021):
50% of women of reproductive age in India have iron deficiency anemia
Compared to 23% of men in the same population
Adult Men
Although less affected overall, adult men may develop iron deficiency anemia due to:
Chronic gastrointestinal conditions
Poor dietary intake
Socioeconomic challenges
Iron Deficiency Anemia: Country-Wise Epidemiology (8 Major Markets)
The epidemiology of iron deficiency anemia varies significantly across countries due to differences in dietary habits, healthcare infrastructure, infection prevalence, and socioeconomic conditions.
United States
Around 18% of pregnant individuals are iron deficient
Approximately 5% develop iron deficiency anemia
Higher diagnosis rates due to advanced healthcare systems
Growing awareness among aging populations
United Kingdom
Moderate prevalence
Strong antenatal screening programs
Iron deficiency common among women and elderly individuals
Germany
Lower prevalence compared to other EU nations
Well-established nutritional awareness
Iron deficiency observed in elderly and chronic disease patients
France
Notable prevalence among women of reproductive age
Preventive healthcare initiatives contribute to early diagnosis
Italy
Regional dietary differences influence iron intake
Higher prevalence in southern regions
Spain
Iron deficiency linked to dietary patterns and gastrointestinal disorders
Public health interventions improving detection rates
Japan
Lower prevalence overall
Iron deficiency common among women due to dietary preferences
Aging population contributes to disease burden
India
One of the highest global burdens
High prevalence among women and children
Nutritional deficiencies and socioeconomic disparities play a major role
Country-Specific Prevalence (Illustrative)
| Country | Prevalence |
|---|---|
| United States | XX |
| United Kingdom | XX |
| Germany | XX |
| Italy | XX |
| France | XX |
| Spain | XX |
| Japan | XX |
| India | XX |
Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatment Overview
What are the standard treatment approaches for iron deficiency anemia?
Treatment focuses on restoring iron levels and addressing the underlying cause.
Iron Supplementation
Oral iron supplements (3–6 months typical duration)
First-line therapy for mild to moderate cases
Intravenous Iron Therapy
Used in severe cases or when oral iron is poorly tolerated
Rapid replenishment in one or few sessions
Dietary Interventions
Increased intake of iron-rich foods
Vitamin C supplementation to enhance absorption
Addressing Underlying Causes
Treating ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding
Managing heavy menstrual bleeding
Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents (ESA)
Prescribed in select cases
Supports red blood cell production in bone marrow
Iron Deficiency Anemia Epidemiology Forecast: Key Drivers
Several factors continue to influence epidemiological trends:
Persistent nutritional deficiencies
Rising population in high-burden countries
Increased diagnostic awareness
Aging populations in developed markets
Improved screening during pregnancy
While treatment availability has improved, prevention remains a major challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Scope of the Iron Deficiency Anemia Epidemiology Forecast Report
The report provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of iron deficiency anemia across the 8MM, including:
Disease classification and pathophysiology
Signs, symptoms, and diagnosis
Risk factors and causes
Historical and forecasted epidemiology
Age- and gender-based patient pools
Identified unmet medical needs
Assessment of disease burden and healthcare impact
This epidemiological intelligence supports healthcare planners, pharmaceutical companies, policymakers, and researchers in strategic decision-making.
Future Outlook: Iron Deficiency Anemia Through 2035
Despite global efforts, iron deficiency anemia is expected to remain a major public health concern through 2035. Population growth, aging demographics, and persistent nutritional gaps will continue to drive disease prevalence.
Key outlook insights:
Slow decline in prevalence in developed markets
Continued high burden in emerging economies
Increased focus on early diagnosis and maternal health
Expansion of public health nutrition programs
Long-term reduction will depend on sustained preventive strategies, nutritional interventions, and healthcare access improvements.
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