Iron Depletion Review -Child

Summary of Recommendation and Evidence

Population	Recommendation	Grade (What's This?)
Screening of both Genders	This screening is recommended for children.	B

Why is iron important for children?

Iron is a nutrient that's essential to your child's growth and development. Iron helps move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and helps muscles store and use oxygen. If your child's diet lacks iron, he or she might develop a condition called iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency in children can occur at many levels, from depleted iron stores to anemia — a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Untreated iron deficiency can affect a child's growth and development.

How much iron do children need?

Babies are born with iron stored in their bodies, but a steady amount of additional iron is needed to fuel a child's rapid growth and development. Here's a guide to iron needs at different ages:

Age group	Recommended amount of iron a day
7 - 12 months	11 mg
1 - 3 years	7 mg
4 - 8 years	10 mg
9 - 13 years	8 mg
14 - 18 years, girls	15 mg
14 - 18 years, boys	11 mg

What are the risk factors for iron deficiency in children?

Children ages 1 to 5 who drink more than 24 ounces (710 milliliters) of cow's milk, goat's milk or soy milk a day
Children who have certain health conditions, such as chronic infections or restricted diets
Children ages 1 to 5 who have been exposed to lead

Should I have my child screened for iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are typically diagnosed through blood tests. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants be tested for iron deficiency anemia starting between ages 9 months and 12 months and, for those who have risk factors for iron deficiency, again at later ages. Depending on the screening results, your child's doctor might recommend an oral iron supplement or a daily multivitamin or further testing.

Iron deficiency in children can be prevented. To keep your child's growth and development on track, offer iron-rich foods at meals and snacks and talk to your child's doctor about the need for screenings and iron supplements.

What are the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency in children?

Too little iron can impair your child's ability to function. However, most signs and symptoms of iron deficiency in children don't appear until iron deficiency anemia occurs. If your child has risk factors for iron deficiency, talk to his or her doctor.

Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia might include:

Pale skin
Fatigue
Slowed growth and development
Poor appetite
Abnormally rapid breathing
Behavioral problems
Frequent infections
Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt, paint or starch

Causes of iron deficiency in children

Major risk factors for the development of iron deficiency in children include:

Prematurity and low birth weight
Exclusive breastfeeding beyond six months (not introducing solids)
High intake of cow’s milk in young children less than two years of age
Low or no meat intake
Vegetarian and vegan eating
Poor diet in the second year of life
Possible gastrointestinal diseases
Lead poisoning.
Children aged one to five years– Breastmilk contains a small amount of iron, but prolonged breastfeeding can lead to iron deficiency, especially if breastmilk replaces solid foods in the diet. Low-iron milks such as cow’s milk, goat’s milk and soymilk should not be given until 12 months of age. Children who drink milk in preference to eating solid foods are in danger of iron deficiency.

Diagnosis of iron deficiency

Diagnosis methods include:

Physical examination
Medical history
Blood tests.

Treatment for iron deficiency

Treatment may include:

Dietary changes, such as increasing the amount of iron-rich foods
Iron supplements (tablets or liquid for infants and young children) – under medical supervision only
Treatment for infection, as infection is sometimes the cause of mild anaemia in children.