This Sight and Life magazine article discusses the multiple causes of anemia and the risks associated with iron supplementation in populations where anemia is prevalent, but iron deficiency is not. Other possible causes include infections/inflammation, other micronutrient deficiencies, and genetic factors. Given the potential risks of iron supplementation in iron-replete populations, country context must be taken into consideration when determining or re-evaluating national anemia-reduction policies and programs.
Sight and Life, January 2017.