Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to prevent the increase in iron deficiency anaemia, particularly among children and older people.

Public Health England’s Eatwell Guide, the nation’s healthy eating model, is designed to ensure dietary recommendations are met. The Eatwell Guide was distributed to health professionals when it was launched through the British Medical Journal, Dietetics Today and targeted articles. The Eatwell Guide includes a variety of iron rich foods including fortified cereals, red meat, vegetables, nuts, eggs and fish.

The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anaemia is the responsibility of general practitioners using their professional judgement, supported by relevant guidance, to arrange the appropriate tests and investigations. It is recommended that health professionals be aware of the increased risk of iron deficiency anaemia in high risk groups including women of reproductive age and older adults. Those with signs and symptoms suggestive of iron deficiency anaemia should receive appropriate clinical assessment and advice, including dietary advice on how to increase their iron intakes or iron supplements if required.

A range of guidance on the testing and treatment of all types’ anaemia is available from sources including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Clinical Knowledge Summaries website and NHS Choices. These can be found via the links below:

https://cks.nice.org.uk/anaemia-iron-deficiency

www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/