Iron-Deficiency Anemia

What Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia?

Iron-deficiency anemia is anemia that happens when there isn't enough iron in the body.

Someone with anemia has a lower number of red blood cells (RBCs) than usual. RBCs contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin (HEE-muh-glow-bin). Without enough iron, less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells are made, leading to anemia.

Treatment with iron supplements usually makes the anemia better.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia?

At first, children with iron-deficiency anemia may not have any symptoms. When symptoms do happen, a child might:

• look pale
• seem moody
• be very tired
• get tired quickly from exercise
• feel dizzy or lightheaded
• have a fast heartbeat
• have developmental delays and behavioral problems
• want to eat ice or non-food items (called pica)

What Causes Iron-Deficiency Anemia?

Iron-deficiency anemia can happen when:

• There's a problem with how the body absorbs iron (such as in celiac disease).
• Someone has blood loss from an injury, heavy menstrual periods, or bleeding inside the intestines.
• Someone doesn't get enough iron in the diet. This can happen in:
  • children who drink too much cow's milk, and babies given cow's milk before they're 1 year old