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 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.
See ASH's Impact on Iron DeficiencyAdvocacy Efforts
ASH continues to support policies that raise awareness for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia and encourage additional research in this area.
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.
View Progress On iron deficiency anemia Guideline DevelopmentQuality 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 work on developing their own clinical quality improvement projects, refining them through interaction with faculty, coaches, and peers, and applying QI concepts. So far, five projects have been focused on improving care related to iron deficiency including:
- Screening for Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy
- Treating 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
Blood Red Cells & Iron
Blood Red Cells & Iron is an international journal dedicated to publishing original research articles on basic, translational, and clinical studies related to red blood cells and iron metabolism. The journal aims to feature innovative contributions that advance the understanding of hematological disorders associated with the erythroid lineage, as well as iron-related diseases like iron deficiency anemia.
Annual Meeting Content
ASH is committed to showcasing the latest research and clinical practice applications at its annual meeting.
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.
Sign up for email updates on ASH meetings