A review – Prescribing iron salts: Comparison of efficacy and tolerance of different iron complexes

Abstract

Iron is an essential element as it participates in a wide variety of metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and electron transport. However, as iron can form free radicals, its concentration in body tissues must be tightly regulated because, in excessive amounts, it can lead to tissue damage. Disorders of iron metabolism are among the most common diseases of humans with diverse clinical manifestations. Iron deficiency is the most common mineral deficiency, affecting approximately 20% of the population. Patients may present with an iron deficiency without anaemia, which is even more common. The World Health Organisation has estimated that approximately 8% of preschool children, 12% of pregnant women and 15% of non-pregnant women of reproductive age have anaemia, with iron deficiency being the major cause.
Contribution: This review focuses on the effectiveness of different preparations to ensure more appropriate choices by prescribers that is patient-centred.