EPO and chronic kidney disease: The kidneys’ impaired ability to produce EPO, a hormone critical for red blood cell production, exacerbates cardiovascular risks and diminishes quality of life.3 Elevated hepcidin levels in CKD hinder iron absorption, while inflammation disrupts iron utilization and reduces red blood cell lifespan.3-5 Treatment strategies include recombinant human EPO therapy to stimulate erythropoiesis and intravenous iron supplementation to overcome absorption limitations.4,5