Iron-deficiency anemia is anemia that happens when there isn't enough iron in the body.
Someone with anemia has a lower number of red blood cells (RBCs) than usual. RBCs contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin (HEE-muh-glow-bin). Without enough iron, less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells are made, leading to anemia.
Treatment with iron supplements usually makes the anemia better.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia?
At first, children with iron-deficiency anemia may not have any symptoms. When symptoms do happen, a child might:
do other blood tests to rule out other types of anemia
How Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia Treated?
Doctors treat iron-deficiency anemia with iron supplements taken as a liquid or pill for at least 3 months. To help iron get absorbed into the body:
Avoid taking iron with antacids, milk, or tea because these interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron.
Take iron before eating (unless this causes an upset stomach).
Someone whose anemia is very severe may get iron or a blood transfusion through an IV (intravenous) line.
When iron-deficiency anemia is caused by something other than a lack of iron in the diet, treatment also may include:
treatments to reduce bleeding in heavy menstrual periods
reducing the amount of cow's milk in the diet
treating an underlying disease
How Can Parents Help?
If your child has iron-deficiency anemia:
Make sure your child takes the iron supplements exactly as prescribed.
Include iron-rich foods in the family's diet. Good sources of iron include:
iron-fortified cereals
lean meat, poultry, and fish
tofu
egg yolks
beans
raisins
Serve fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C or a glass of orange juice at mealtimes. This helps the iron get absorbed.
Talk to a dietitian or your doctor if your child is a vegetarian. They can recommend foods to help your child get enough iron.
To help prevent iron-deficiency anemia in young children:
Don't give cow's milk to babies under 1 year old.
Limit cow's milk in kids over 1 year old to less than 2 cups of milk a day. Giving them more can make them feel full and lower the amount of iron-rich foods they eat.