Iron Deficiency Initiative

Iron deficiency, or when the body’s iron stores are too low, is the most common and widespread micro nutritional deficiency in the world. The condition may affect up to 40% of adolescents and young women, and up to 70% of cases go undiagnosed in high-risk populations. It often leads to iron deficiency anemia, a condition that impairs oxygen transport in the body and, if untreated, can be life-threatening. Iron deficiency anemia is more prevalent in women, children, and older adults and is frequently underdiagnosed, contributing to risks such as premature birth and delayed growth in children.

Because of the far-reaching disparate impacts of this condition despite widespread treatment options, ASH has made improving the quality of care for individuals impacted by iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia a priority. Explore ASH’s efforts related to iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia and check back often for additional materials and resources.

Clinical Practice Guidelines

ASH has initiated an effort to develop evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for iron-deficiency anemia that meet the highest standards of development, rigor and trustworthiness. With partnership of a methodology team, ASH will work to convene an initial panel of experts to determine the scope of the guideline, review evidence and formulate recommendations addressing iron deficiency anemia. Publication of the guideline is anticipated in early-2026.

Quality Improvement Training Institute (QITI)

The ASH Quality Improvement Training Institute (QITI) is an educational training program focused on preparing clinicians to be leaders in quality improvement and to support the ongoing assessment and enhancement of patient experience and outcomes in hematology.

Participants in the program learn and apply quality improvement (QI) concepts towards implementation of their own QI projects alongside faculty, coaches, and peers. So far, the following projects have been focused on improving care related to iron deficiency including:

• Screening and Treating for Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy
• Improving access and delivery of IV iron to patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage
• Improving recognition and treatment of iron-deficiency in the postpartum patient
• Reducing pre-medication for IV Iron

Stay Informed on Iron Deficiency

ASH's Scientific Committee on Iron and Heme has continually shaped the conversation around iron deficiency topics at the ASH annual meeting. Over the past five years, focus has evolved from iron regulation and therapeutic development for disorders of iron metabolism to understanding iron recycling, the relationship between iron/heme and hematopoietic stem cells, and exploring the intersections of homeostasis and metabolism.

At the 2023 ASH Annual Meeting, education sessions highlighted iron deficiency, particularly in adult and pediatric IV iron therapy and pregnancy. In 2024, the annual meeting shifted the spotlight to include a collaborative session with ASH's Committee on Quality titled “Treating Fairly,” which aimed to address health disparities in iron deficiency. The 2025 ASH Annual Meeting featured updates on the upcoming ASH clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis of iron deficiency, as well as applications of the recommendations in practice.