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Functional Iron Deficiency Assessment

Meaning

Functional Iron Deficiency Assessment is a clinical evaluation that looks beyond standard hematological parameters, such as hemoglobin and basic ferritin, to determine if iron availability is sufficient to support the full range of non-hematopoietic, iron-dependent metabolic processes. This assessment specifically investigates the iron status required for optimal cellular respiration, thyroid hormone metabolism, and neurotransmitter synthesis, which often become compromised before overt anemia manifests. It aims to identify a state of tissue-level iron inadequacy that impacts systemic performance.