Symptoms Children may have pallor, tiredness, irritability, poor appetite, headaches, rapid heartbeat or reduced school concentration. Mild deficiency may cause few symptoms.
Causes Common causes include low dietary iron, excessive cow’s milk, rapid growth, prematurity, blood loss or poor absorption such as celiac disease.
Diagnosis A complete blood count and ferritin are commonly used, although results must be interpreted with illness and inflammation in mind.
Treatment Treatment includes oral iron in a dose based on weight and correction of the dietary cause. Iron is often continued after hemoglobin normalizes to rebuild stores. Dark stools and constipation may occur.
Do not give iron supplements without medical guidance, because overdose can be dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can too much milk cause iron deficiency?
Yes. Excess cow’s milk can replace iron-rich foods and may contribute to deficiency.
How long is iron treatment needed?
Often several months, depending on blood results and the cause.
Does iron stain teeth?
Liquid iron can temporarily stain teeth; administration technique can reduce this.
Should iron be taken with milk?
Usually not, because calcium can reduce absorption.
This information is for education only and does not replace medical assessment or treatment by a qualified physician.