Chapter Summary

• Common vitamin and mineral deficiencies that impact hematologic wellness across the lifespan include deficiencies of iron, vitamin B₁₂, folate, and vitamins A, C, D, and K.
• Anemia affects approximately 1.8 billion individuals worldwide, most often affecting young children, pregnant individuals, and older adults.
• Non-Hispanic Black pregnant clients have the highest prevalence of IDA, particularly during their third trimester of pregnancy.
• Adolescent athletes have a high nutritional demand due to daily energy expenditure associated with training and less time available to make healthy food choices, putting them at high risk for iron deficiency and anemia.
• Folic acid, vitamin B₁₂, and vitamin K deficiencies in adults can occur secondary to chronic liver disease and excessive alcohol intake.
• Individuals with SCD and thalassemia are more prone to micronutrient and macronutrient deficiencies related to hyperreactive hematopoiesis, the physiologic response to chronic anemia.