In iron deficiency anaemia, the body is unable to produce the required amount of red blood cells. This means oxygen doesn’t get to all the body’s organs and tissues as effectively as usual, leading to symptoms such as tiredness, lack of energy, shortness of breath and a pale complexion. If not picked up and treated, other symptoms may occur such as tinnitus, altered taste, itchiness, hair loss, a sore or smooth tongue, pica (a desire to eat non-food items), difficulty swallowing and spoon-shaped nails.

There are lots of reasons why iron deficiency anaemia happens, such as a stomach ulcer, often as a result of NSAID use; problems absorbing iron from the diet, as can happen in conditions such as coeliac disease; heavy periods; and pregnancy. If left untreated, it can cause further problems, from increased susceptibility to infections due to the immune system becoming compromised, an abnormally fast heart rate and heart failure.

While iron deficiency anaemia is particularly prevalent in the developing world, it remains a problem in the UK. It is believed to affect up to a quarter of pregnant women, just under 15 per cent of non-pregnant women, and up to five per cent of adult men and post-menopausal women in this country.