A study conducted by researchers from the University of Glasgow indicates that hundreds of thousands of individuals in the UK may have a hidden blood condition known as anaemia, which could elevate their risk of serious illnesses or early death. Anaemia, often caused by iron deficiency, results in a reduced number of red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, and headaches. The research, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed data from nearly half a million UK Biobank participants over a decade, marking it as one of the largest studies examining the relationship between haemoglobin levels, serious disease, and early mortality.
The findings suggest that individuals with 'borderline anaemia'—those whose haemoglobin levels are low but still within the normal range—face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature death. Current diagnostic guidelines set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for anaemia have not changed in fifty years, and researchers argue that these thresholds may overlook individuals at risk. Dr. Malek Ahmad, the study's lead author, noted that risk begins to increase with borderline anaemia before haemoglobin levels drop below the WHO threshold.
The study found that both low and high extremes of haemoglobin levels correlate with increased mortality risk. Researchers aim to explore whether diagnostic guidelines should be revised to include factors such as diet, stress, and obesity to better identify at-risk individuals. Approximately two billion people globally are estimated to have iron deficiency, with 1.2 billion having developed iron-deficiency anaemia. In the UK, around 3% of men and 8% of women are affected by the condition, with over 57,000 hospital admissions annually due to anaemia. Treatment options, including iron supplements and dietary changes, are available and can be effective in managing the condition. The Royal College of GPs has expressed concern over the rising number of hospital admissions related to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, linking it to the cost-of-living crisis affecting access to nutritious food.