Iron deficiency anaemia : FBC CBC parameters and diagnosis

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) stands as one of the most prevalent and consequential nutritional disorders globally. This condition, characterized by a deficiency of iron in the body, has far-reaching implications for an individual's health and well-being. Iron, an essential mineral, plays a pivotal role in the formation of haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells (RBCs). When iron levels become insufficient, the body's capacity to produce haemoglobin is compromised, leading to a cascade of physiological and clinical consequences.

IDA can affect individuals of all ages, with particular vulnerability during periods of rapid growth, such as infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy. Beyond its role in oxygen transport, iron serves as a critical cofactor in various enzymatic reactions vital for cellular metabolism and energy production. As such, its deficiency can manifest in a spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from fatigue and pallor to cognitive impairment and impaired immune function.

Normal Physiology:

• In normal physiology, iron is essential for haemoglobin synthesis, which is critical for oxygen transport and delivery to body tissues.
• Haemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and helps remove carbon dioxide from the body.
• Serum iron levels are typically within a normal range, and ferritin levels reflect adequate...