The 9th edition of the International Multidisciplinary Course on Iron Deficiency (IMCID)<\/strong> brought together experts from around the world to discuss the latest evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency. Among the central topics this year was the role of oral iron supplementation, particularly in patients with chronic conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chairing the dedicated session was Prof. Ioav Cabantchik<\/strong>, Emeritus Professor of Life Sciences at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who offered an in-depth reflection on current clinical practice and future perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This edition is especially important because, perhaps for the first time, there has been a thorough discussion of what \u201ciron deficiency\u201d truly means. Which markers should be used? How should they be interpreted? And which clinical parameters are best suited to assess therapeutic outcomes? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Without appropriate indicators, diagnosis remains uncertain. Moreover, each country applies different standards, making a critical and contextualized approach indispensable. It is not enough to apply reference values automatically; they must be interpreted in the light of local clinical practice. IMCID has played a crucial role in raising awareness of this issue, providing clinicians with more reliable tools for assessment.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n We do not yet have all the comparative data, but evidence is mounting that oral iron supplementation, when used with the right expectations, can deliver results comparable to intravenous iron. The advantages are clear: fewer risks, lower costs, and reduced logistical complications. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The main challenge, however, is cultural. Many physicians still consider oral iron ineffective, overlooking the fact that some modern formulations can yield outcomes very similar to intravenous therapy. Training is essential, as is presenting data that demonstrate the availability of safe, well-tolerated, and accessible options.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Therapy adherence improves significantly when \u201cuser-friendly\u201d formulations are prescribed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, many patients avoided infusions due to fear of infection. In such cases, having an effective oral alternative was \u2014 and still is \u2014 crucial. Yet if clinicians are unaware of these therapeutic options, it is as if they do not exist. Awareness and availability are therefore key factors.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nProfessor, IMCID has become a reference platform for updating knowledge on iron deficiency. What makes this edition particularly significant?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What is the latest evidence on the efficacy of oral iron in chronic patients?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can the evidence presented at IMCID change current approaches to oral iron supplementation?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n