Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Dr. Jennie Berkovich

It’s common for babies to get routine bloodwork done around their first birthday. In our office, we typically check lead levels as well as hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein containing iron that transports oxygen from the lungs to other tissues in the body. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to produce adequate hemoglobin. This deficiency can result from various factors, including inadequate dietary iron intake, poor iron absorption, or blood loss.

In otherwise healthy toddlers, the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia is due to nutrition. It’s common to have too much milk intake, which often results in a toddler not wanting to eat other foods. In addition, milk can interfere with proper iron absorption.

The primary source of iron comes from:

• Iron-fortified cereals
• Lean meats, poultry, and fish
• Beans and lentils
• Dark-green leafy vegetables

Unless your one-year-old is munching on kale (and if they are, teach me your tricks!), it’s likely they’re not getting enough iron from foods. Because this type of anemia develops over time, the symptoms can be very subtle (or completely absent). Things to look for include:

• Pale skin, especially noticeable around the hands, nails, and eyelids
• Fatigue and weakness
• Poor appetite
• Rapid heartbeat or heart murmur
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Developmental delays and behavioral problems
• Headaches
• In severe cases, children may develop pica, an unusual craving for nonfood items like dirt or ice.

Treatment for iron deficiency anemia primarily involves iron supplementation. Oral iron supplements are the most common form of treatment, typically prescribed for three to six months. There are many brands available, so it’s worth finding one that works for your family (both from a kashrus standpoint and one that won’t irritate the tummy).