A list of common conditions and patient groups who have an increased risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia
| Background | Cause of iron deficiency anaemia | Cause of blood loss | Recommended route of iron replacement |
| Congestive cardiac ailure | Poor nutrition Decreased GI absorption | Antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant use | Intravenous |
| Chronic kidney disease | Dialysis and frequent blood sampling | Intravenous | |
| Inflammatory bowel disease | Chronically inflamed and ulcerated bowel | Intravenous | |
| Elderly | Medications (antiplatelet, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatories, anti-depressants) | Oral | |
| Malignancy | Poor nutrition Loss of healthy blood cells Damage to the bone marrow | Bleeding tumour | Intravenous |
| Surgery | Dependent on cause for surgery requirement | Excessive bleeding either pre and/or post-operatively | Intravenous or oral |
| Pregnancy | Poor nutrition Increased iron demands to mother and fetus | – | Intravenous or oral |
The cause for iron deficiency anaemia, including causes for increased blood loss, and the recommended route of iron replacement are listed.