Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in children. It most often occurs in children between the ages of 6 and 36 months of age. Prevention and management of iron deficiency anemia involve an understanding of the body's need for iron and foods that supply adequate amounts of absorbable iron. Iron deficiency anemia is associated with many characteristic laboratory findings. Treatment of iron deficiency anemia with ferrous sulfate is highly successful but must only be given for a limited course. The American Academy of Pediatrics has made specific recommendations for the prevention of iron de-ficiency anemia in children.