The liabilities of iron deficiency.

Iron has been recognized as a potent hematinic since the inception of hematology as a clinical discipline. Even ancient civilizations believed in the beneficial effects of medicinal iron. Nevertheless, the precise functional liabilities of iron lack remain the subject of continuing debate. The consequences of iron deficiency, particularly from a socioeconomic standpoint, are especially important in light of its high global prevalence. A recent review of the literature indicates that approximately 30% of the estimated world population of nearly 4.5 billion are anemic, and at least half of these, 500 to 600 million people, are believed to have iron deficiency anemia.