Iron Defi ciency in Infancy and Childhood

Iron defi ciency is the most common cause of anemia in all age groups and can be associated with signifi cant shortand long-term morbidity. Prevention is achieved by prolonged breast feeding, avoidance of cows milk and unfortifi ed formulas, and the introduction of complementary foods at about 6 months. Ideally, complementary foods should be fortifi ed with iron and vitamin C. There is consensus on thedevelopmental adverse consequences of iron deficiency, although the short-term benefi ts of therapy are not clearly established. Prophylaxis should be limited to infants who are at high risk of developing iron deficiency. The routine provision of iron supplements can be detrimental in non-iron-defi cient children. Iron therapy should be given orally when possible and continued for several months after the correction of anemia in order to replenish the body iron stores. Special attention should be paid to the socioeconomically disadvantaged groups in industrialized countries and to children in developing countries.