Not all iron supplements are equal to each other depending on the form of the iron. Chelated iron (iron bisglycinate), which is iron chemically bound to an amino-acid, has a better absorption than iron salt like ferrous iron (Iron(II) ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate…) which are themselves better than ferric iron (Iron(III)). You’ll also need to pay attention to the iron amount in the capsule as it will vary from one brand to another. I generally recommend using the brand Solgar or NOW Food.[2] The FNB has established ULs for iron from food and supplements based on the amounts of iron that are associated with gastrointestinal effects following supplemental intakes of iron salts (see Table 3). The ULs apply to healthy infants, children, and adults. Physicians sometimes prescribe intakes higher than the UL, such as when people with IDA need higher doses to replenish their iron stores [ 5]. Table 3: Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (ULs) for Iron [ 5] Age In the United States, Canada, and many other countries, wheat and other flours are fortified with iron [ 21, 22]. Infant formulas are fortified with 12 mg iron per liter [ 20]. This is a fact sheet intended for health professionals. For a general overview of Iron, see our consumer fact sheet on Iron. Introduction Much like the treatment options, the prognosis for cats with anemia depends on the underlying reason for their condition and their overall health. For most cats who get diagnosed early and are otherwise healthy, chances are high that they will fully recover. In severe cases, however, anemia can be fatal. If a cat has cancer or an autoimmune disease, has ingested a serious toxin, or has suffered a traumatic injury, the prognosis is less favorable.

With chronic blood loss, the primary purpose of treatment is to prevent future blood loss. For milder cases of iron deficiency anemia, vets usually prescribe oral iron supplements in the form of ferrous sulfate, as well as ferrous gluconate and fumarate. Includes a variety of vegetables; fruits; grains (at least half whole grains); fat-free and low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese; and oils. Mycoplasma haemofelis infection (feline infectious anaemia, formerly known as Haemobartonella felis infection), or other similar organisms Red blood cells are a special type of cell that contain haemoglobin – this is a special iron-containing molecule that efficiently binds oxygen. When we breathe in and out, oxygen is taken out of the air in the lungs and is absorbed into the blood, being bound to haemoglobin in the RBCs. As these RBCs circulate around the body, the haemoglobin can then release the oxygen in the tissues of the body where it is vital to maintain life. Haemoglobin in the RBCs also gives blood its characteristic red colour. During pregnancy, plasma volume and red cell mass expand due to dramatic increases in maternal red blood cell production [ 2]. As a result of this expansion and to meet the needs of the fetus and placenta, the amount of iron that women need increases during pregnancy. Iron deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal and infant mortality, premature birth, and low birthweight [ 44]. Infants and young childrenYoung Kittens: In some cases, very young kittens who are not nursing adequately may require iron supplementation to support rapid growth and development. Heart and breathing– anaemia, especially when severe, is likely to cause an increased heart rate (known as tachycardia), and an increased respiratory (breathing) rate (known as tachypnoea). For more information about building a healthy dietary pattern, refer to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the USDA's MyPlate. Developing iron deficiency is more common in kittens than adult cats due to the low levels of iron in milk. However, this problem generally works out as the kitten gets older and is moved to a meat-based diet. What Can Iron Deficiency Lead to

Treatment of anaemia will be both symptomatic and supportive for the affected cat, and specific (targeted at the underlying disease itself). Kerr, K. R., Kappen, K. L., Garner, L. M., & Swanson, K. S. (2014). Commercially available avian and mammalian whole prey diet items targeted for consumption by managed exotic and domestic pet felines: macronutrient, mineral, and long-chain fatty acid composition. Zoo biology, 33(4), 327–335. Supportive treatment may include the use of blood transfusions when the anaemia is severe as this can be a life-saving procedure. Just as in humans, it is important in cats to know what blood group the donor and recipient are to make sure the blood is compatible. With severe anaemia, a cat may need to be hospitalised and monitored closely. That being said, some cats may not even show symptoms. Moreover, discovering that a cat suffers from anemia due to iron deficiency is often incidental.

The assessment of iron status depends almost entirely on hematological indicators [ 7]. However, these indicators are not sensitive or specific enough to adequately describe the full spectrum of iron status, and this can complicate the diagnosis of iron deficiency. A complementary approach is to consider how iron intakes from the diet and dietary supplements compare with recommended intakes.