January 2025
The global iron deficiency anemia therapy market size is calculated at USD 5.24 billion in 2024, grew to USD 5.64 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around USD 10.94 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 7.64% between 2025 and 2034. The rising incidences of iron deficiency anemia and growing research and development activities drive the market.
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Anemia is a condition that affects red blood cells (RBCs), leading to low levels of RBCs and oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is a lack of iron in the body. Common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include pale skin, cold hands and feet, dizziness or lightheadedness, chest pain, fast heartbeat, and shortness of breath. It can be caused by blood loss from periods, gastrointestinal disorders, malabsorption, or not getting enough iron from food. It is mainly diagnosed through blood tests and additional diagnostic tests such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, and ultrasound. The major treatment regimens for iron deficiency anemia include oral iron supplements and infusions.
The rising incidences of iron deficiency anemia, especially among children and pregnant women due to heavy menstrual bleeding, obstetric hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, surgery, or trauma, potentiates the need for anemia therapy. Favorable government policies and initiatives for screening and diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia also boost the market. Several researchers are investigating novel treatment regimens and drug delivery systems for treating anemia. Advancements in diagnostics lead to early disease identification, facilitating effective treatment. Moreover, technological advancements have revolutionized the iron deficiency anemia therapy market.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms have the potential to transform anemia treatment. AI and ML can process vast amounts of data and diagnose iron deficiency in the body. AI can analyze images of various physical characteristics such as conjunctiva, palm, tongue, and fingernails. It can also analyze clinical data such as laboratory tests and blood smears. This leads to identifying stages of iron deficiency anemia. Thus, AI enhances diagnostic accuracy and precision, enabling healthcare professionals to make effective clinical decisions. Furthermore, AI and ML can also suggest personalized treatment for patients, depending on their conditions. They can also predict treatment outcomes and potential side effects related to the treatment.
Screening Programs
The major growth factor of the iron deficiency anemia therapy market is the launch of screening programs. Several government organizations and regulatory bodies have launched initiatives to conduct screening programs in different countries. Anemia reduction is included as one of the six World Health Assembly Global Nutrition Targets. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend routine screening for iron deficiency anemia in asymptomatic pregnant women. All such initiatives create awareness among the general public, facilitating early identification of anemia. This encourages more and more people to carry out regular blood tests. Hence, screening programs, growing awareness, and the increasing number of regular blood tests expedite healthcare professionals to effectively treat iron deficiency anemia conditions.
Side Effects
The major challenge of the market is the side effects caused by oral and intravenous iron supplements. Oral iron causes gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Meanwhile, intravenous iron causes allergic reactions and redness at the injection site. These side effects result in poor medication adherence, restricting market growth.
Growing Research and Development
The future of the iron deficiency anemia therapy market is promising, driven by growing research and development activities leading to novel advancements. Researchers investigate novel targeted therapy or drug delivery systems to deliver iron and aid in the effective absorption of iron in the body. Some iron supplementation formulations include ferrous iron salts, iron-polysaccharide complex, heme-iron polypeptide, and iron-amino acid complex & chelate. The growing demand for nanomedicine makes it an emerging research field, resulting in the development of a treatment regimen for anemia. Nanoparticle iron and lipophilic iron chelators have been investigated to increase the absorption of iron in the body. Moreover, the advent of home-use point-of-care diagnostics can revolutionize the market. These allow sensitive, rapid, and affordable diagnosis, facilitating treatment.
By therapy type, the parenteral iron therapy segment held a dominant presence in the iron deficiency anemia therapy market in 2024. Parenteral iron therapy is administered through an intravenous route. Parenteral iron products include iron dextran, ferric gluconate, and iron sucrose. It is most widely preferred as it eliminates the potential side effects of oral iron, such as gastrointestinal side effects. Parenteral therapy is directly administered through blood, allowing rapid absorption of iron. It is mainly used to treat severe anemic conditions and can be an alternative to blood transfusions.
By therapy type, the oral iron therapy segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the iron deficiency anemia therapy market during the forecast period. Oral is the most common therapy for iron deficiency anemia by replenishing iron stores. The cost-effectiveness of oral iron therapy, ease of use, and accessibility increase the demand for oral therapy. Oral therapy also eliminates the need for trained professionals to administer iron supplements. It can be used by people of all ages, thereby increasing medication adherence. The growing research and development activities drive the latest innovations in oral therapy, augmenting the segment’s growth.
By age group, the adults segment held the largest share of the iron deficiency anemia therapy market in 2024. Iron deficiency anemia is common in adults, especially in women of 15-49 years of age. According to the WHO, around half a billion women aged 15-49 years are affected by anemia. The increasing risk of heavy menstrual bleeding, trauma, obstetric hemorrhage, and the rising number of surgeries and gastrointestinal disorders potentiate the segment’s growth. Favorable government policies create awareness among adults for anemia therapy. Anemia in 15-49 years of age is one of the targets for the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
By age group, the pediatric segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR in the market during the studied years. Iron deficiency anemia is common in children receiving diets low in iron. It is also caused by body changes, such as rapid growth spurts in infants and adolescents that require more iron. WHO estimates that around 269 million children aged 6-59 months globally are affected by anemia. The availability of iron drops and pills increases medication adherence in children.
By end-user, the hospitals segment led the global iron deficiency anemia therapy market in 2024. The segmental growth is attributed to the presence of trained professionals and favorable infrastructure. Skilled personnel in hospitals provide multidisciplinary expertise. Favorable reimbursement policies and suitable capital investments fuel the segment’s growth. Hospitals have provisions for advanced diagnosis due to the availability of specialized tools, leading to effective treatment. The increasing incidences of severe anemia cases raise the need for hospitalization.
By end-user, the home healthcare segment is projected to expand rapidly in the market in the coming years. The rising geriatric population and the growing demand for home healthcare propel the segment’s growth. Numerous healthcare providers give advanced care to patients in the comfort of their homes. The rising demand for natural remedies and traditional medicines favors home healthcare treatment for iron deficiency anemia.
North America dominated the global iron deficiency anemia therapy market share by 37% in 2024. The rising incidences of anemia, technological advancements, and the presence of key players drive the market. Key players such as AbbVie and Johnson & Johnson hold the major market share in North America. Favorable government support promotes the market. The U.S. government provides funding to conduct research related to iron deficiency anemia treatment. The U.S. and Canadian governments give information about proper nutrition among children and pregnant women. Favorable regulatory policies and new product launches also contribute to market growth. The increasing number of clinical trials due to state-of-the-art research and development facilities and novel product development propel the market.
Asia-Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate in the iron deficiency anemia therapy market during the forecast period. Sedentary lifestyles and favorable government support drive the market. The Indian Government implements an Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy to reduce the prevalence of anemia in children, adolescents, and women. The Chinese government released the National Nutrition Plan (2017-2030) recommending daily folic acid supplementation as a public health intervention to reduce the risk of anemia in women of reproductive age. The rising disposable income and increasing awareness of anemia diagnosis and treatment also boost the market. The increasing prevalence of anemia, especially in South East Asian countries, fuels the market.
Anil Kothiyal, President of India Business at Emcure Pharmaceuticals, commented on the launch of Orofer FCM 750 for patients with iron deficiency anemia, saying that the launch will help address the significant burden of IDA in India. The launch also strengthens their commitment to providing innovative and effective solutions to meet the healthcare needs of patients in India.
By Therapy Type
By Age Group
By End-User
By Region
January 2025
January 2025
January 2025
January 2025