ABSTRACT. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a widespread worldwide health problem, with women suffering disproportionately. Its effects go beyond fatigue, including severe impaired postural control and increased risk of falls. Results from a recent study by Harrabi and colleagues. are examined in this editorial. They examine the complex mechanisms behind these disturbances of balance and conclude that they are caused by simultaneous deficits in the neurocognitive (due to low ferritin) and physical-muscular (due to low haemoglobin) systems. According to the article, traditional treatment using iron supplements alone is not sufficient to restore full function, because it ignores persistent deficits in proprioception, muscle function, and cognitive fatigue. This paper therefore advocates a paradigm shift towards an integrated, multi-component therapeutic approach combining targeted physical and cognitive rehabilitation with traditional supplementation. The main conclusion is that to effectively improve patient safety and quality of life, the IDA should be managed holistically, considering it as a complex systemic disease rather than a haematological disorder. © ۲۰۲۵ Published by Public Knowledge Project (PKP).V۱.۱.article ۰۱ABSTRACT. Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a widespread worldwide health problem, with women suffering disproportionately. Its effects go beyond fatigue, including severe impaired postural control and increased risk of falls. Results from a recent study by Harrabi and colleagues. are examined in this editorial. They examine the complex mechanisms behind these disturbances of balance and conclude that they are caused by simultaneous deficits in the neurocognitive (due to low ferritin) and physical-muscular (due to low haemoglobin) systems. According to the article, traditional treatment using iron supplements alone is not sufficient to restore full function, because it ignores persistent deficits in proprioception, muscle function, and cognitive fatigue. This paper therefore advocates a paradigm shift towards an integrated, multi-component therapeutic approach combining targeted physical and cognitive rehabilitation with traditional supplementation. The main conclusion is that to effectively improve patient safety and quality of life, the IDA should be managed holistically, considering it as a complex systemic disease rather than a haematological disorder. © ۲۰۲۵ Published by Public Knowledge Project (PKP). V۱.۱.article ۰۱
