Anemia caused by low iron - children
Alternative Names
Anemia - iron deficiency - children
Definition
Anemia is a problem in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells bring oxygen to body tissues.
Iron helps make red blood cells, so a lack of iron in the body may lead to anemia. The medical name of this problem is iron deficiency anemia.
Causes
Anemia caused by a low iron level is the most common form of anemia. The body gets iron through certain foods. It also reuses iron from old red blood cells.
A diet that does not have enough iron is the most common cause. During periods of rapid growth during puberty, even more iron is needed.
Toddlers who drink too much cow's milk may also become anemic if they are not eating other healthy foods that have iron.
Other causes may be:
- The body is not able to absorb iron well, even though the child is eating enough iron
- Slow blood loss over a long period, often due to menstrual periods or bleeding in the digestive tract
Iron deficiency in children can also be related to lead poisoning.
Symptoms
Mild anemia may have no symptoms. As the iron level and blood counts becomes lower, your child may:
- Act irritable
- Become short of breath
- Crave unusual foods
- Eat less food
- Feel tired or weak all the time
- Have a sore tongue
- Have headaches or dizziness
With more severe anemia, your child may have:
- Blue-tinged or very pale whites of eyes
- Brittle nails
- Pale skin color
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam.
Blood tests that measure iron level in the body include:
A measurement called iron saturation (serum iron/TIBC) often can show whether the child has enough iron in the body.
Treatment
Since children only absorb a small amount of the iron they eat, most children need to have 8 to 10 mg of iron per day.
Eating healthy foods is the most important way to prevent and treat iron deficiency. Good sources of iron include:
- Apricots
- Chicken, turkey, fish, and other meats
- Dried beans, lentils, and soybeans
- Eggs
- Liver
- Molasses
- Oatmeal
- Peanut butter
- Prune juice
- Raisins and prunes
- Spinach, kale and other greens
If a healthy diet does not prevent or treat your child's low iron level and anemia, the doctor will likely recommend iron supplements for your child. These are taken by mouth.
Do not give your child iron supplements or vitamins with iron without checking with your child's doctor. The doctor will prescribe the right kind of supplement for your child. If your child takes too much iron, it can cause poisoning.
Outlook (Prognosis)
With treatment, the outcome is likely to be good. In most cases, the blood counts will return to normal in 2 months. It is important that the doctor find the cause of your child's iron deficiency.
Possible Complications
Anemia caused by a low iron level can affect a child's ability to learn in school. A low iron level can cause decreased attention span, reduced alertness, and learning problems in children.
A low iron level can cause the body to absorb too much lead.
Prevention
Eating healthy foods is the most important way to prevent and treat iron deficiency.
References
Baker RD. Greer FR, American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. Clinical report -- diagnosis and prevention of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia in infants and young children (0-3 years of age). Pediatrics. 2010;doi: 10.1542/peds.2010-2576.
Lerner NB, Sills R. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW III, et al., eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 449.