Iron Deficiency & Hepcidin | Translating evidence into clinical practice

Key highlights:

• Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide.
• Hepcidin is the master hormone regulating iron — when it rises, iron absorption drops, and when it falls, absorption improves.
• Hepcidin levels increase with inflammation, infection, stress, and intense exercise, reducing iron absorption and utilisation. It also appears to follow a daily rhythm, peaking during the day and dropping at night.
• Common symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, low mood, brain fog, restless legs, cravings for specific substances like ice or dirt, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
• Always check iron levels with a pathology test before supplementing. If needed, take supplements in the morning or evening on alternate days for better absorption.
• Boost dietary iron intake and address gut health, inflammation, and infections to help restore healthy iron levels.

Read on to learn how to confidently recommend iron supplementation in practice.