How does hepcidin testing help my patient manage their iron?
1 in 14 people in the US are anemic and 1 in 7 are iron deficient. These levels have been on the rise over the last decade.
The levels of hepcidin in blood will aid you in selecting the most effective treatment option for your patient:
If hepcidin is LOW:
Oral iron pills will likely be effective in restoring their iron supply. Cost is low.
Don’t make them pay for expensive intravenous iron infusions
If hepcidin is HIGH:
Oral iron pills will not be effectively absorbed requiring intravenous iron infusions. Cost is higher.
Don’t waste precious time when you could know oral iron won’t be effective
Those at higher risk of anemia:
- Infants and preschool children (age < 5 years)
- Young menstruating women
- Pregnant women (second/third trimester and postpartum)
- Elderly persons
- Non-Hispanic blacks or Hispanics
- Vegetarians or vegans
- Blood donors
- Endurance athletes
- Those with Chronic illness such as:
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Cancer
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Diabetes
- Those with chronic Iron Deficiency
Affects of Iron Deficiency:
- Leading cause of anemia
- Learning impairment in young children
- Pregnancy complications for both mothers and newborns
- Mental and physical fatigue
- Cognitive decline in the elderly
Iron Deficiency affects an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide
Anemia is a consequence of long term iron deficiency but can be avoided if detected early.
Early Detection, Early Intervention