Iron deficiency anemia is a very common problem occurring in infants and children between the ages of 9 months and 2 years. Premature infants are more at risk because they need more iron. Treatment is done by taking extra iron usually in the form of iron drops. One of the most common causes of iron deficiency is not enough iron rich foods in an infant's diet. This can also occur in breastfed babies or infants who drink too much cow's milk (greater than 24 oz/day). Iron deficiency can also occur in teens that have heavy or prolonged menstrual cycles. Babies are first checked for anemia at their 9 month check up.

- John D. Sarrouf, DO