Iron-Deficiency Anemia: How to Care for Your Child

Iron-deficiency anemia is when the body doesn't have enough iron. When this happens, the body can't make enough hemoglobin and red blood cells. Red blood cells are needed to deliver oxygen throughout the body. Iron-deficiency anemia usually goes away with treatment.

Giving Iron Supplements

• Give your child the exact amount of iron prescribed by your health care provider. 

• Continue giving the iron until the health care provider says you can stop, even if your child feels better.

• Give iron on an empty stomach or with a small amount of non-dairy food. Don't give it with milk, antacids, or tea or coffee, which can cause problems with how the body absorbs the iron.

• Make sure your child gets plenty of vitamin C in the diet. It helps the body absorb iron.

• After the body's iron supply has been built up, your child should continue to eat a diet rich in iron to prevent anemia from returning. Talk to your health care provider about good dietary sources of iron.

Diet

Talk with your doctor about whether your child is getting enough iron. Some general guidelines are: 

• Infants younger than 1 year old should drink only breast milk or an infant formula containing iron. Starting cow's milk before age 1 can lead to iron deficiency. 

• Infants who get more than half their nutrition from breast milk should start on an iron supplement when they're 4–6 months old. They should get the supplement until they are eating iron-fortified solid foods (such as infant cereal) twice a day. 

• Kids younger than 2 years old should not drink more than 24 ounces of cow's milk a day, and kids 2–5 years old shouldn't drink more than 20 ounces. Too much milk can lead to iron deficiency.

• As your child grows, ask your health care provider about good iron-rich foods.

Schedule a follow-up visit so your health care provider can check if the anemia is getting better.

Your child:

• develops a fast or irregular heartbeat

• is pale or very tired

• gets an upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation after taking iron

Your child:

• has trouble breathing or is breathing very quickly

• takes more iron than is recommended by your health care provider

What causes iron-deficiency anemia? Iron-deficiency anemia can happen when a child:

• does not have enough iron in the diet

• has trouble absorbing iron from food

• has an increased need for iron during a growth spurt 

What are the symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia? Symptoms may include tiredness, weakness, pale skin, headache, irritability, low appetite, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Some kids get pica or cravings to eat nonfood items such as paint chips, chalk, or dirt.

How is iron-deficiency anemia treated? Taking iron supplements by mouth is the usual treatment for iron-deficiency anemia. Supplements are taken until the body's iron stores reach a normal level. A diet with good sources of iron also helps to treat anemia.