ABSTRACT
The pharmacological iron supplementation is probably the most rapid means by which to build iron stores to unnecessarily high levels. This chapter outlines the basic preventive measures to maintain low but adequate iron stores. A more cautious approach has been recommended wherein iron is given only to those patients with low serum ferritin or other readings. An important public health goal with regard to iron is to convince physicians to approach the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia with extreme caution. Though blood donation is the most efficient measure, dietary recommendations regarding iron are probably the most efficacious public health step that could be taken at the present time. A reason for increasing the public's awareness of the potential harm from excess iron is to facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of homozygous hemochromatosis.
