The Ministry of Health has updated recommendations for iron intake and nutrition for special population groups

Starting from 2025, updated clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) have been introduced in Russia, which concern children, pregnant women, the elderly, and other special population groups. They are based on new scientific data about more effective and tolerable regimens for iron supplements, as well as an expanded approach to nutrition science.

Main changes in the recommendations:

• It is recommended to take iron supplements no more than once a day, and in some cases every other day, which improves tolerance and reduces side effects.
• For women during menstruation, it is especially important to take iron with an interval of at least 4 hours from meals for optimal absorption.
• New diagnostic methods using Ret-He and HYPO-He indicators have been included, which more accurately reflect iron deficiency and are not affected by inflammation or pregnancy.
• Recommendations for therapy with intravenous iron preparations for patients with severe forms of anemia, ongoing blood loss, or intolerance to oral preparations have been added.
• The nutritional and nutritional science features of children, pregnant women, the elderly, and athletes are taken into account, including the use of nutraceuticals—special dietary supplements with therapeutic effects.

Experts emphasize the need for a more precise and personalized approach to the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. For example, in pregnant and postpartum women, the choice of form and dose of iron preparation is determined based on the severity of the condition and clinical symptoms, while in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel processes, iron intake should be accompanied by treatment of the underlying disease.

The innovations also address the improvement of iron absorption and the prevention of possible complications. Oral intake is recommended to be done considering optimal timing and dosage—40-100 mg of elemental iron per day for three months for most patients.

These changes are aimed at increasing the effectiveness of treatment, reducing the frequency of side reactions, and improving the quality of life for patients with iron deficiency anemia.

Source and additional material: overview of the new recommendations from the Ministry of Health, current studies in nutrition science, and video information on the topic.