Iron Management

Abstract

For the last two decades, iron deficiency has been categorized as either absolute or functional. Absolute iron deficiency implies that there is a deficiency in total body iron stores, such that there are inadequate levels of iron to supply the bone marrow. The two types of iron deficiency are often compared to a bank account. Absolute iron deficiency implies that there is simply not enough money in the bank to be able to make a withdrawal. Functional iron deficiency is a condition in which there are normal or even increased levels of total body iron stores, but there is a failure to mobilize this iron for use by the bone marrow for erythropoiesis. To continue the bank account analogy, functional iron deficiency is illustrated by a condition in which there is an ample amount of money in a savings account, but it cannot be withdrawn on demand.