Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE GLOBAL BURDEN, CHALLENGES IN IRON ABSORPTION, AND ADVANCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA

Poonam* and Chennu M. M. Prasada Rao

ABSTRACT

Anemia is the most widespread blood disorder, affecting approximately 2.36 billion individuals, with women of reproductive age and children being the most vulnerable groups. Iron absorption is influenced by various factors, including the form of iron administered like haem or non-haem form, presence of food, and chelating agents. To address iron deficiency, oral iron supplements are commonly used; however, their bioavailability is limited due to first-pass metabolism average daily dietary iron intake is 10 to 15 mg in humans since only 1 to 2 mg is absorbed through the intestinal system. To overcome the issue of low iron absorption, several alternative routes and novel formulations have been developed. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of anaemia’s prevalence and global burden, the pathophysiology of iron absorption at the cellular level, the challenges associated with iron uptake, and the strategies implemented to enhance its absorption like the fortification of iron with food alsohelp in improving the iron absorption. Additionally, it explores advanced nanocarrier-based delivery systems, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, niosomes, liposomes, nano-emulsions, hydrogels, and magnetic nanoparticles, for improved iron delivery. Furthermore, alternative delivery methods, including transdermal routes utilizing electric gradients and microneedles, are discussed as promising approaches to enhance cellular iron absorption.

Keywords: Anaemia; Absorption; Bioavailability; Formulations; Nanoparticles.