Lack of Iron

• Anemia in children and teens can be the result of a series illness or disease, such as aplastic anemia. More commonly, however, anemia in children and teens is the result of too little iron in the diet, called iron deficiency anemia.
  Children and teenagers need to ingest 8 to 10 mg per day of iron. Many, however, don't get this much iron in their daily diet. This is due to the prevalence of fast food in our society, and also the popularity of cow's milk, which does not have much iron in it.
  
  

Effects

• A lack of iron in the diet can lead to several issues. Iron is an important part of hemoglobin, a section of the red blood cell used to carry oxygen throughout the body. Low iron means a lack of oxygen in the body. This can lead to pale skin, a lack of energy and cold intolerance in a child or teenager. More serious cases of anemia can cause an increased heart rate, leading to sweating and palpitations, a swollen tongue and an enlarged spleen.
  While anemia is most commonly caused by low iron in the diet, it is also caused by heavy menstruation, intestinal tract problems (the intestinal tract is where iron is absorbed), diseases and internal bleeding. Because some of these causes can be serious, it is important to see a doctor if you suspect your child or teenager may be anemic.
  
  

Behavior

• Anemia affects behavior as well. Irritability and poor concentration skills are common behavioral symptoms in children and teens with anemia. These behaviors, however, are sometimes written off as normal in some children.
  Therefore, many doctors recommend yearly iron screenings, especially in young children who are weaning off of formula and breast milk and on to cow's milk, and in teens who are entering puberty. If the child is found to have an iron deficiency, the doctor will suggest changes in the child's diet, such as eating more iron-rich foods like spinach and other dark green, leafy vegetables. The doctor may also prescribe an iron supplement.