UEL professor co-authors global iron deficiency guidelines

A University of East London (UEL) academic has co-authored a major new study published in The Lancet Haematology, helping to set out global guidelines for treating iron deficiency – the world’s most common nutritional disorder.

Iron Deficiency is the commonest nutritional disorder worldwide and disproportionally affects women; one in three women will suffer iron deficiency often suffering for an average of eight years and taking iron supplements for two to three years. 

Professor Richards, from the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, was part of a panel of 26 international experts to develop clear, evidence-based recommendations for doctors and healthcare professionals around the world.

Helping patients get the best treatment

The study, titled “Management of iron deficiency in children, adults, and pregnant individuals,” addresses key questions about how best to diagnose and treat iron deficiency, when to use oral or intravenous iron, particularly for women’s health. 
This is particularly relevant to the UK where National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recently upgraded their definition and guidelines for iron deficiency. 

Professor Richards, a clinical academic, said, 

The guidelines provide clear evidence-based practice to help doctors and patients, particularly women, get the best treatment for this overlooked and common disorder.”

Gender disparity in support

Professor Richards has led pioneering work addressing iron deficiency. He has demonstrated impact in areas including Olympic athletes, sportswomen and the association with ADHD. He is the author of “The Misogyny of Iron Deficiency” highlighting the gender disparity and lack of support for women with iron deficiency.

The paper is primarily aimed at healthcare providers and clinicians and offers guidelines on:

• Diagnosing iron deficiency earlier and more accurately
• Choosing between oral or intravenous iron based on patient needs
• Recommending simpler, more affordable iron supplements
• Tailoring treatment for vulnerable groups
• Monitoring treatment response to ensure long-term success

Common symptoms of iron deficiency

Although designed for clinical use, the study also highlights issues relevant to everyday life.

Iron deficiency is often signalled by symptoms like:

• Feeling unusually tired or weak
• Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”), forgetfulness and anxiety
• Trouble walking up stairs, with dizziness shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations.

The study reinforces important everyday messages:

• Diet alone usually isn’t enough to fix iron deficiency once it develops – supplements are often needed.
• Simple iron tablets (like ferrous sulphate) are just as effective as expensive versions, it is about taking the correct dose
• Taking iron once a day is best – and switching to alternate-day dosing can help with stomach upset and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
• Iron Infusions are indicated when iron tablets are not working after three months of treatment.
• Modern iron infusions are safe can enable a full treatment in one 15-30 minute treatment.
• Iron patches, sprays, and gadgets are not proven treatments.

UEL is running a screening programme for all female students and staff to raise awareness about heavy periods and iron deficiency. This initiative focuses on innovation, fairness, and community in healthcare and is part of UEL’s Year of Health which champions projects that aim to tackle health inequalities.