Causes and risk factors for iron deficiency in adults

Evaluation for the underlying cause of iron deficiency is critical. Dietary iron is likely to be sufficient in most adults with access to a varied diet, and iron deficiency should not be ascribed to dietary practices in most adults. High-intensity athletics and urinary or pulmonary hemosiderosis can cause iron deficiency by multifactorial mechanisms. Treatment with an erythropoiesis stimulating agent such as erythropoietin can cause redistribution of body iron stores.