What Groups Are Most Affected by Iron Deficiency Anemia?

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, anemia affects over 1.62 billion people globally, with iron deficiency being the most common cause. While it can affect anyone, specific demographics and lifestyle factors place certain groups at a significantly higher risk for developing iron deficiency anemia, a prevalent and often treatable condition. Understanding these vulnerable populations is crucial for effective prevention and management.

Quick Summary

Pregnant women, infants, young children, menstruating females, and people with specific dietary habits or medical conditions face a heightened risk of developing iron deficiency anemia.

Key Points

Women of Childbearing Age: Heavy menstrual bleeding and the high iron demand during pregnancy make this a primary at-risk group.
Infants and Young Children: Rapid growth and dietary factors, such as cow's milk displacing iron-rich foods, increase their vulnerability.
Vegetarians and Vegans: Relying on non-heme iron, which is less bioavailable, requires careful dietary planning and potentially higher intake.
Endurance Athletes: Increased iron loss from sweat and inflammation, plus hemolysis, puts them at a higher risk of deficiency.
Individuals with Chronic Illness: Conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and kidney disease can severely impact iron absorption and utilization.
Frequent Blood Donors: Regular donations can deplete iron stores, necessitating supplementation to restore them.
Older Adults: Poor nutrition and chronic conditions contribute to an increased risk in the elderly population.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a condition where the body lacks sufficient iron to produce enough hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. While IDA can affect anyone, certain groups are disproportionately affected due to physiological needs, dietary restrictions, or underlying health issues.

Women of Childbearing Age and Pregnant Women

Women of reproductive age are one of the most common groups to experience IDA. This is primarily due to monthly blood loss through menstruation, with heavy periods being a significant risk factor. A woman with heavy menstrual bleeding loses more iron-containing blood than her body can easily replace.

Iron Needs During Pregnancy

Pregnancy dramatically increases the body's iron requirements to support the growing fetus and the mother's expanded blood volume. Without supplementation, many pregnant individuals develop IDA. Severe cases during pregnancy can lead to complications, such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Infants and Young Children

Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable due to their rapid growth, which demands a high iron intake.

Premature or Low-Birth-Weight Infants: These babies have fewer iron stores than full-term infants, putting them at greater risk.
Dietary Factors: After the iron stores from birth are depleted, infants rely on external sources. A diet that relies heavily on cow's milk, which is low in iron, can displace iron-rich foods and inhibit iron absorption.
Growth Spurts: Children require increased iron during growth spurts, and a poor diet can lead to deficiencies.

Vegetarians and Vegans

Plant-based diets often contain only non-heme iron, which is less readily absorbed by the body compared to heme iron found in meat and fish. While many plant foods contain iron, vegetarians and vegans must be mindful of their intake and absorption strategies. Consuming iron-rich plants with vitamin C-rich foods can significantly enhance absorption.

Endurance Athletes and Active Individuals

High-performance and endurance athletes are another group with a higher risk for IDA. Several factors contribute to this increased vulnerability:

Increased Iron Loss: Athletes can lose iron through sweat, urine, and exercise-induced gastrointestinal bleeding.
Decreased Absorption: Exercise can trigger inflammatory responses that lead to higher levels of hepcidin, a hormone that reduces iron absorption.
Foot-Strike Hemolysis: The repeated impact of running can cause a breakdown of red blood cells, a condition known as "march hematuria," which also contributes to iron loss.

Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions

Chronic diseases can significantly interfere with iron metabolism and absorption, leading to IDA.

Gastrointestinal Diseases: Conditions like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis), and ulcers can impair the body's ability to absorb iron from food.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Patients undergoing kidney dialysis frequently lose blood and have reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone needed for red blood cell production.
Cancer and Chronic Infections: These conditions can cause inflammation that affects iron utilization by the body.

Frequent Blood Donors

Individuals who donate blood regularly, especially multiple times a year, are at an elevated risk of developing IDA as each donation depletes the body's iron stores. The American Red Cross and other organizations often recommend that frequent donors take iron supplements to help replace lost iron.

Comparison of Iron Types


Feature	Heme Iron	Non-Heme Iron
Source	Meat, poultry, fish	Plants, legumes, nuts, fortified foods
Absorption Rate	Highly bioavailable; absorbed easily	Lower bioavailability; absorption rate varies
Affected by Diet?	Not significantly affected by other foods	Absorption can be inhibited by phytates, calcium, coffee, and tea; enhanced by vitamin C

Iron-Rich Food Sources and Symptoms

Key Sources of Dietary Iron

Heme Iron: Lean red meat, liver, chicken, and seafood like oysters and clams.
Non-Heme Iron: Fortified breakfast cereals, beans, lentils, spinach, tofu, nuts, and dried fruits such as raisins and apricots.
Absorption Boosters: Pair iron-rich foods with sources of Vitamin C like orange juice, tomatoes, or broccoli to maximize absorption.

Common Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Fatigue and Weakness: Extreme tiredness is one of the most common signs.
Pale Skin: Reduced hemoglobin can make skin, gums, and nail beds look paler.
Shortness of Breath: The body struggles to get enough oxygen without healthy red blood cells.
Headaches and Dizziness: Low oxygen levels can cause these symptoms.
Pica: A craving to eat non-food items like ice, dirt, or clay.
Sore Tongue: The tongue may appear swollen or sore.
Brittle Nails: Nails can become brittle and spoon-shaped (koilonychia).
Restless Legs Syndrome: An irresistible urge to move the legs.

Conclusion

Iron deficiency anemia is a widespread public health issue that impacts several key demographics more than others, including women, children, vegans, athletes, and those with certain chronic diseases. By understanding the specific risk factors for each of these groups, individuals can take proactive steps toward prevention, such as optimizing their diets or considering supplementation under medical guidance. Given the wide range of affected populations, it is vital to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management, especially for persistent symptoms of fatigue or weakness. For more detailed health information, reliable sources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide comprehensive guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can prevent IDA by consuming a diet rich in iron, including lean meats, poultry, fish (heme iron) and fortified cereals, legumes, and green leafy vegetables (non-heme iron). Pairing iron sources with foods high in vitamin C, like oranges or broccoli, enhances non-heme iron absorption.

The most common symptoms include extreme fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Other signs can include brittle nails, a sore tongue, headaches, and a craving for non-food items like ice (pica).

During pregnancy, a woman's blood volume increases significantly to support the growing baby, requiring nearly double the normal amount of iron. If this need is not met through diet or supplementation, IDA can occur, increasing risks for both mother and child.

Diagnosis typically involves a complete blood count (CBC) to check hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Doctors also measure serum ferritin, which reflects iron stores, and sometimes use a peripheral smear to examine the size and color of red blood cells.

Yes, it is possible for vegetarians and vegans to meet their iron needs through diet alone by consuming plenty of iron-rich plant-based foods, such as lentils, beans, tofu, and fortified cereals. Combining these foods with vitamin C sources is key to maximizing non-heme iron absorption.

Heme iron is found in animal products like meat, poultry, and fish and is absorbed by the body more efficiently. Non-heme iron is found in plants and fortified foods and has a lower, more variable absorption rate.

Frequent blood donors are at a higher risk for developing iron deficiency because each donation removes a portion of the body's iron supply. Healthcare providers, such as the American Red Cross, often recommend donors take an iron supplement to help replenish their iron stores more quickly.

Untreated iron deficiency anemia can worsen over time and lead to serious health complications. These can include heart problems such as an irregular heartbeat, complications during pregnancy, and developmental issues in children.

Internal bleeding from conditions like peptic ulcers, colon polyps, or certain cancers is a common cause. Malabsorption issues from celiac disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, or gastric bypass surgery can also lead to a deficiency.