From the Guidelines
Iron deficiency anemia in one-year-old children is primarily caused by insufficient iron intake through diet, with the most common reasons including prolonged exclusive breastfeeding without iron supplementation, excessive consumption of cow's milk, and inadequate intake of iron-rich solid foods. The causes of iron deficiency anemia in a one-year-old child can be multifaceted, but ultimately, they often stem from a combination of dietary factors and the child's rapid growth rate. Key factors to consider include:
- Prolonged exclusive breastfeeding without iron supplementation, as breast milk alone may not provide sufficient iron after 6 months of age 1
- Excessive consumption of cow's milk, which can lead to a decrease in iron-rich food intake and potentially cause occult gastrointestinal bleeding 1
- Inadequate intake of iron-rich solid foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, and fortified cereals, which are essential for maintaining adequate iron levels 1
- Rapid growth during this period, which increases iron demands and can exacerbate the risk of deficiency Less common causes may include chronic blood loss due to conditions like milk protein allergy or parasitic infections, and malabsorption disorders such as celiac disease. To prevent iron deficiency anemia, it is recommended to introduce iron-rich foods at around 6 months of age and limit cow's milk intake to no more than 16-24 ounces per day. For treatment, oral iron supplements are typically prescribed, with a usual dose of 3-6 mg/kg/day of elemental iron, divided into 1-3 doses, for 3-6 months 1.
From the Research
Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia in a One-Year-Old Child
The causes of iron deficiency anemia in a one-year-old child can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Increased demand for iron 2
- Inadequate iron intake 2, 3
- Decreased iron absorption (malabsorption) 2
- Increased blood loss 2
- Defective plasma iron transport 2
- Excess cow's milk consumption 4
- Lack of iron supplementation in breastfed infants 3
- Use of low-iron formula 3
Risk Factors
Risk factors for iron deficiency anemia in a one-year-old child include:
- Age: Iron deficiency anemia is most common among children aged nine months to three years 2
- Diet: A diet lacking in iron-rich foods or excessive cow's milk consumption 4, 3
- Breastfeeding without iron supplementation 3
- Use of low-iron formula 3
Prevention
Prevention of iron deficiency anemia in a one-year-old child can be achieved through:
- Primary prevention: Supplementary iron or iron fortification of staple foods 2
- Dietary counseling and nutritional education 2
- Screening for iron deficiency anemia at approximately one year of age 2, 5, 3
- Limiting cow's milk consumption to less than 24 oz per day 4, 3
- Providing a daily iron-fortified vitamin 3