Pediatr. praxi. 2026;27(4):222-226 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2026.037

Treatment of iron deficiency in children

MUDr. Martina Suková

Klinika dětské hematologie a onkologie FN Motol a Homolka, Praha

Iron deficiency (sideropenia) is the most common nutritional deficiency in the pediatric population. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA), a clinical consequence of severe iron deficiency (ID), is the most prevalent hematological disorder worldwide. Risk of iron deficiency is associated with periods of increased iron requirements combined with low stores, particularly in preterm infants, in exclusively breastfed infants after six months of age and during adolescence. Except for low iron intake, iron deficiency may also result from impaired iron absorption associated with gastrointestinal diseases or specific malabsorption syndromes, as well as from increased iron loss (bleeding). Iron deficiency adversely affects not only hematopoiesis, but also immune response, growth, and neuropsychological development, particularly during the first months of life. Depending on its duration, IDA is associated with an increased frequency of infections, which negatively impacts iron depletion. Treatment with oral iron supplements is widely available and highly effective in cases of iron deficiency. However, bioavailability of iron differs in specific products especially because of different absorption. This article provides a practical overview of management of iron deficiency in childhood.

Keywords: iron deficiency in childhood, iron deficiency, childhood.

Accepted: September 3, 2026; Published: September 17, 2026  Show citation