Iron Across the Lifespan: Absorption, Deficiency, and Clinical Translation

Iron is an essential micronutrient required for numerous physiological processes, including oxygen transport, cellular metabolism, immune function, and neurodevelopment. Its homeostasis is tightly regulated, yet imbalances remain a global public health concern affecting individuals at all stages of life. Both iron deficiency and overload can lead to significant clinical consequences, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants, women of reproductive age, older adults, and individuals with chronic diseases. Understanding the dynamic changes in iron metabolism across the lifespan is critical for designing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.The goal of this Research Topic is to bring together cutting-edge research and clinical perspectives to deepen our understanding of iron absorption, metabolism, and deficiency in different age groups. We aim to explore key biological mechanisms, epidemiological patterns, and translational approaches that can inform clinical practice and public health policies. By integrating basic science, clinical research, and population health perspectives, this collection seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and identify knowledge gaps that can drive future research.We welcome original research, systematic reviews, brief reports, and perspectives addressing (but not limited to) the following themes:• Mechanisms of intestinal iron absorption and regulation across the lifespan• Developmental and age-related changes in iron metabolism• Epidemiology and risk factors of iron deficiency and overload in different populations• Dietary patterns, fortification, and supplementation strategies for iron optimization• Clinical consequences of iron deficiency and therapeutic approaches• Translational research bridging mechanistic insights and clinical or public health interventions Topic editors: Katarzyna Skrypnik, Muhammad Saboor Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75003/iron-across-the-lifespan-absorption-deficiency-and-clinical-translation