From the Research
Iron Dosing for a 10-year-old Child with Mild Iron Deficiency
The appropriate iron dosing for a 10-year-old child with mild iron deficiency can be determined based on the available evidence.
- The optimal dosage of elemental iron per day is between 3 to 6 mg/kg, as stated in the study 1.
- A study published in 2006 recommends oral ferrous sulfate at a dose of 3 mg/kg/d of elemental iron for infants and toddlers with suspected iron-deficiency anemia 2.
- Another study published in 2023 found that moderate-dose and high-dose supplements were more effective than low-dose supplements at improving haemoglobin, ferritin, and iron deficiency anaemia 3.
- A survey of pediatric hematology/oncology specialists found that most respondents would prescribe ferrous sulfate at a dose of 6 mg/kg/day divided twice daily for a toddler with nutritional iron deficiency anemia 4.
Considerations for Iron Supplementation
When considering iron supplementation for a 10-year-old child with mild iron deficiency, the following factors should be taken into account:
- The frequency and duration of iron supplementation, as well as the dose and cosupplementation regimen, can impact the effectiveness of treatment 3.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal laboratory screening for iron deficiency anemia at approximately one year of age for healthy children, and selective laboratory screening should be performed at any age when risk factors for iron deficiency anemia have been identified 1.
- Oral iron therapy is the first-line treatment for iron deficiency anemia, and parenteral iron therapy or red blood cell transfusion is usually not necessary 1.