In this podcast we review iron and iron deficiency and anemia. Iron is a nutrient that plays ​​an important role in making the proteins that transport oxygen throughout our bodies. If people  do not have enough iron they can develop anemia. Unfortunately, anemia is common- with about 20% of children developing iron deficiency anemia at some point. In this episode we review iron requirements in infancy through adolescence, we talk about important dietary sources of iron. We discuss signs of anemia, screening and how to treat iron deficiency anemia with supplementation.

We thank Dr. Anjali Pawar, pediatric hematologist and oncologist at UC Davis Children's hospital for reviewing  this episode, although Drs. Dean and Lena take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.

Additional Resources

Pump Up the Diet with Iron - HealthyChildren.org

What Parents Should Know About Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Children | Hematology | JAMA Pediatrics

Anemia in Children and Teens: Parent FAQs - HealthyChildren.org