Population
Whole blood donors with iron deficiency (12 studies).
Intervention
Instances of restless leg syndrome (RLS), pica, fatigue and other possible iron-deficiency-related symptoms.
Comparison
None.
Outcome
No association between RLS and iron status was found in six of nine studies. One study found an inverse association between iron levels and fatigue in women. Two studies reported no association between iron levels and fatigue. Among donors (especially female donors), RLS and pica were associated with iron deficiency. For other iron deficiency–related symptoms, no clear associations could be shown.