The importance of iron for health (Clinical lunch chat held on 24 March 2026)

Learning objectives:

You will learn how to

• Describe the evolving clinical understanding of iron deficiency, including the recognition of non-anaemic iron deficiency
• Interpret iron studies using contemporary diagnostic thresholds, including ferritin and transferrin saturation
• Recognise patient populations at increased risk of iron deficiency, including women of reproductive age, patients with chronic disease, and individuals with gastrointestinal blood loss
• Apply a practical diagnostic approach to iron deficiency in primary care, including when to investigate underlying causes
• Implement evidence-based treatment strategies, including oral iron supplementation, indications for intravenous iron therapy, and criteria for specialist referral.