Iron recommendations
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Asymptomatic pregnant women should be routinely screened for iron deficiency anemia, according to new recommendations issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Organized by the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality, the USPSTF "found fair evidence that treating symptomatic pregnant women who have iron deficiency anemia results in moderate benefits in health outcomes." The Task Force also recommends "routine iron supplementation for asymptomatic children aged six to 12 months who are at increased risk for iron deficiency anemia." Both recommendations are rated to be of "B" grade, meaning that the USPSTF recommends clinicians provide this information to patients. However, due to "insufficient evidence," the USPSTF was unable to recommend for or against screening for iron deficiency anemia and/or iron supplementation in asymptomatic children, as well as for or against supplementation in non-anemic pregnant women...