Connecting the Dots: Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Traditional and Contemporary Medicine

Abstract

Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) remains one of the most prevalent nutritional disorders globally, affecting populations across all age groups. While classical medicine has long focused on dietary interventions and oral iron supplementation, modern medicine has introduced advanced diagnostic tools, intravenous iron formulations, and emerging molecular insights. This paper explores the evolving landscape of IDA by comparing traditional and contemporary approaches in diagnosis, treatment, and pathophysiological understanding. Connecting the dots between the traditional and contemporary medicine perspectives is essential to develop a more integrated, patient-centred model of care. Emphasis is placed on the limitations of historical treatments, recent innovations such as hepcidin modulation and functional iron assessment, and the role of personalized medicine. The analysis underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, education, and research to effectively address IDA in diverse clinical settings.