Risk of Iron Deficiency in Children

Adolescent females may develop iron deficiency from blood lost during menstruation (periods). In addition, they often eat little meat or other iron-rich foods. Athletic adolescent females seem to be at even higher risk, for reasons that are not well understood. Your doctor may recommend testing for iron deficiency.

Be sure to encourage foods that are rich in iron, such as fortified cereals, lean meat, fish, poultry, grains, dried peas and beans, dark green vegetables, raisins and eggs. In addition, talk to your doctor about whether a daily multivitamin with iron would be a good idea.