The rationale for selecting and standardizing iron status indicators

n Both iron deficiency and iron excess have significant health consequences. A diet insufficient in bioavailable iron and blood loss are the major causes of iron deficiency worldwide. An improved intake of bioavailable iron can prevent the long-term consequences of nutritional iron deficiency. Iron indicators are needed to identify population groups at risk for nutritional iron deficiency and to monitor the impact of intervention strategies. Currently available iron indicators permit a specific diagnosis of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in the clinical setting where other patient-related information is available, but are more difficult to interpret in populations in developing countries because anaemia is multifactorial. Progress towards reducing the prevalence of nutritional anaemia worldwide will depend on improved selection and standardization of iron indicators in these settings. The predictive value of these indicators for significant functional outcomes could provide the basis for selection and standardization. The currently available indicators and a suggested approach are discussed in this brief review.