Nutritional Anemia in Infants and Children

Abstract

Nutritional anemia in childhood is common even in the United States. It is usually due to iron deficiency developing from an inadequate diet, especially an excessive amount of milk. The diagnosis is often easily made. Inadequate intake of iron affects every body system, particularly the gastrointestinal tract. Less common nutritional anemias result from deficiency of folic acid, vitamin B₁₂ or essential amino acids. Treatment is simple and usually quickly effective when proper and specific medication is used.