Researchers looked at blood samples from over 33,000 people in the UK who were getting private health checks. They found that iron deficiency and anemia (low red blood cells) are surprisingly common, even among people who care about their health. About 1 in 10 women had anemia, and nearly 1 in 3 women had iron deficiency. The study suggests that many people don’t realize they have these problems because doctors don’t routinely test for them. This is especially important for women of childbearing age, who are at highest risk.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How common are iron deficiency and anemia in people who actively monitor their health through private health checks?
  • Who participated: Over 33,000 people in the UK who had blood tests done at a private health screening company. The group included both men and women of various ages, all health-conscious enough to seek private health checks.
  • Key finding: About 6% of all people tested had anemia, but nearly 10% of women had it. Even more striking: almost 1 in 3 women had iron deficiency. Women aged 18-50 were most affected.
  • What it means for you: If you’re a woman of childbearing age, you may have iron deficiency without knowing it, even if you feel generally healthy. Many people don’t get tested for this condition routinely, so problems can go undetected. Talk to your doctor about whether iron screening makes sense for you.

The Research Details

Researchers collected blood test results from 33,029 people who had private health checks in the UK. They looked back at existing test data rather than conducting new tests. The blood samples were checked for anemia, iron levels, and vitamin deficiencies using standard medical guidelines. This type of study is called a ‘cross-sectional’ study because it takes a snapshot of a population at one point in time, rather than following people over months or years.

The researchers divided the findings by age and sex to see if certain groups were more affected than others. They specifically looked for two types of iron problems: absolute iron deficiency (where the body simply doesn’t have enough iron stored) and functional iron deficiency (where the body has iron but can’t use it properly because of inflammation).

This approach was efficient because the researchers didn’t need to recruit new participants or do new blood work—they used data that already existed. However, this also means they couldn’t control all the factors that might affect the results, like diet, medications, or medical history.

This study is important because it shows that iron deficiency and anemia are much more common than many people realize, even among people who are actively trying to stay healthy. Most people don’t get routine screening for these conditions, so problems can hide in plain sight. Understanding how widespread these issues are helps doctors and public health officials decide whether screening programs should be expanded.

The study’s main strength is its large sample size—over 33,000 people provides reliable numbers. The data came from actual blood tests using standard medical guidelines, which is trustworthy. However, the study only looked at people who could afford private health checks, so the results may not represent the entire UK population. Additionally, the researchers couldn’t see important details like why people had iron deficiency, what their diets were like, or whether they had other health conditions. The study is also a snapshot in time, so we don’t know if these problems got better or worse over time.

What the Results Show

The study found that anemia is present in about 6 out of every 100 people tested. However, this number was much higher in women: nearly 10 out of every 100 women had anemia. The problem was especially common in women aged 18-50 years old, which makes sense because this is the age when women menstruate and lose blood regularly.

Iron deficiency was even more common than anemia. Almost 1 in 3 women (about 32%) had iron deficiency, compared to a much lower rate in men. This suggests that many women are running low on iron without realizing it.

Interestingly, the researchers also found something called ‘functional iron deficiency’ across all age groups and both sexes. This is a situation where the body has iron stored, but inflammation prevents the body from using it properly. This type of iron problem is less well-known but appears to be quite common.

The key insight is that these conditions are surprisingly common in a population of health-conscious people who are actively getting health checks. If these problems are this widespread among people who care about their health, they’re likely even more common in the general population.

The study also measured vitamin deficiencies alongside iron deficiency, though specific vitamin findings weren’t detailed in the abstract. The researchers noted that functional iron deficiency (where inflammation blocks iron use) was present across all age groups and both sexes, suggesting it’s a widespread issue that affects everyone, not just women of childbearing age. This finding suggests that inflammation-related iron problems may be an underrecognized health issue.

The World Health Organization estimates that about 25% of the global population has anemia or iron deficiency. This study’s findings of 6% anemia and 32% iron deficiency in women align with previous research showing that women of childbearing age are at particularly high risk. The study confirms what doctors have long known: menstruation is a major cause of iron loss in women. However, the study adds new information by showing how common these problems are even among health-conscious people who might be expected to have better nutrition and health awareness.

The study only included people who could afford private health checks, so the results may not represent poorer populations or people without access to private healthcare. The researchers couldn’t see important details about participants’ diets, medications, medical histories, or reasons for iron deficiency. The study is a snapshot in time, so we don’t know if these problems are getting better or worse. Additionally, the researchers couldn’t determine whether people with iron deficiency had symptoms or how it affected their daily lives. Finally, the study couldn’t prove cause-and-effect relationships—it only shows that these conditions exist together in this population.

The Bottom Line

Women aged 18-50 should consider asking their doctor about iron screening, especially if they have heavy periods, fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness. The evidence suggests iron deficiency is common enough in this age group that screening may be worthwhile. For the general population, doctors should consider more routine screening for anemia and iron deficiency. If you’re diagnosed with iron deficiency, your doctor may recommend iron supplements or dietary changes. The confidence level for these recommendations is moderate—the study shows the problem is real and common, but more research is needed to determine the best screening approach.

Women aged 18-50 should especially pay attention to this research, particularly if they have heavy menstrual periods. Anyone experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, or dizziness should consider getting tested. Healthcare providers and public health officials should care about these findings when deciding whether to implement screening programs. Men and postmenopausal women have lower risk but shouldn’t ignore symptoms of anemia. People with chronic inflammation or certain medical conditions may also want to discuss iron screening with their doctors.

If you have iron deficiency and start treatment, you may begin feeling more energetic within 2-4 weeks as your iron levels improve. However, it can take 2-3 months for your body to fully rebuild iron stores. If you’re considering screening, talk to your doctor about the right timing—there’s no need to rush, but it’s worth addressing if you have symptoms.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track energy levels daily on a 1-10 scale and note any symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual fatigue. If you’re taking iron supplements, log your doses and note any side effects. This creates a baseline to compare against after treatment begins.
  • Set a reminder to discuss iron screening with your doctor at your next appointment. If you’re diagnosed with deficiency, use the app to track iron-rich foods you eat (red meat, spinach, beans, fortified cereals) and monitor your supplement intake. Create a weekly goal for iron-rich meals.
  • After starting iron treatment, track energy and symptom changes weekly. Set monthly reminders to check in on progress. If using supplements, log adherence rates. After 3 months, note overall improvements in fatigue and physical performance. Share this data with your healthcare provider to assess treatment effectiveness.

This research describes the prevalence of iron deficiency and anemia in a specific UK population. It does not provide medical advice. If you suspect you have iron deficiency or anemia, consult with a healthcare provider for proper testing and diagnosis. Do not start iron supplements without medical guidance, as excessive iron can be harmful. This study is observational and cannot prove that iron deficiency causes specific health problems. Individual results vary based on personal health factors, diet, medications, and medical history. Always discuss screening and treatment options with your doctor.