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Iron Deficiency in Children

Iron deficiency anemia in children may adversely affect cognitive development; early diagnosis and treatment are critically important.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Iron Deficiency in Children?

Iron deficiency anemia disrupts hemoglobin synthesis and causes red blood cells to become small and pale (microcytic hypochromic anemia). It has the highest prevalence in infants and children aged 6 months to 3 years worldwide.

Rapid growth, iron-poor nutrition (early introduction of cow's milk, low intake of iron-rich foods), and intestinal absorption disorders (celiac) are leading causes. Premature infants cannot build iron stores in utero and require earlier iron supplementation.

Iron deficiency can impair cognitive function even without anemia; therefore, prophylactic iron support in at-risk children is important.

Symptoms

Pallor (pale conjunctiva and palms)
Fatigue and weakness
Attention difficulties and learning problems
Loss of appetite and slow weight gain
Craving to eat soil, clay, or ice (pica)
Tachycardia and exertional dyspnea (in severe anemia)

Risk Factors

Prematurity and low birth weight
Transition to cow's milk before 12 months
Insufficient iron-rich solid foods
Celiac disease or other malabsorption disorders
Recurrent infections
Living in developing countries

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When pallor, excessive fatigue, or attention difficulties are noticed
  • When low hemoglobin is detected on routine screening
  • When pica behavior (eating soil or ice) is observed
  • If no response to iron treatment within 4 weeks (investigate malabsorption)

Treatment Methods

01
Oral iron treatment: 3-6 mg/kg/day elemental iron, 3 months
02
Co-administration with vitamin C increases absorption
03
Milk and tea decrease iron absorption; do not give simultaneously with medication
04
Iron-rich nutrition: red meat, leafy green vegetables, dried legumes
05
Intravenous iron in malabsorption
06
Prophylaxis: early iron support for premature and low-birth-weight infants from 4 months

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.