Iron Deficiency Anemia: Newer Iron Formulations and Their Advantages

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a significant global health concern, necessitating the development of effective management strategies to replenish iron stores and enhance clinical outcomes. This chapter reviews the evolution of iron therapy, from traditional oral iron formulations (ferrous and ferric salts) to modern intravenous (IV) iron preparations, such as ferric carboxymaltose and ferric derisomaltose. Key considerations include bioavailability, dosing strategies, and adverse effects such as gastrointestinal intolerance (oral iron) and hypersensitivity reactions (IV iron). Emerging oral formulations (sucrosomial iron, ferric maltol) and IV options with enhanced safety profiles are discussed. Optimal management involves individualized therapy based on etiology, severity, and patient tolerance, with monitoring of hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation to assess treatment response.