Iron and Anemia

A 28-year-old woman from rural Maharashtra presents with fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, and pallor. On examination, she has glossitis and angular cheilitis. Her hemoglobin is 7.2 g/dL with microcytic hypochromic indices. Peripheral blood smear shows target cells and pencil cells. Which is the most appropriate next investigation to confirm iron deficiency anemia?

A 6-year-old boy from Delhi presents with pallor, hepatosplenomegaly, and recurrent infections. His hemoglobin is 8.5 g/dL with microcytic indices. Serum ferritin is markedly elevated at 450 ng/mL, and transferrin saturation is 65%. Peripheral blood smear shows target cells. Which investigation is most appropriate to determine the underlying cause of secondary iron overload?

In iron deficiency anemia, the serum ferritin level is typically reduced. Which of the following best explains why ferritin is a reliable marker of total body iron stores?

A 28-year-old woman from rural Maharashtra presents with fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, and recurrent infections for 6 months. She has had 3 pregnancies in the last 4 years, all vaginal deliveries. Dietary intake is predominantly vegetarian with minimal fortified foods. On examination: pallor present, spoon nails noted, heart rate 102/min, BP 110/70 mmHg. Laboratory findings: Hb 7.2 g/dL, MCV 62 fL, MCH 18 pg, serum ferritin 8 ng/mL, TIBC 420 µg/dL, serum iron 32 µg/dL. Peripheral smear shows hypochromic microcytic RBCs with occasional target cells. What is the most appropriate initial management?

In a community-based survey of anemia in India, which is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia across all age groups and both sexes?