How does anemia affect children and teens?

What is anemia?

Anemia is a condition that occurs when your body does not have enough red blood cells. Red blood cells are important because they contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues and cells. When there are not enough red blood cells, the body does not have enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen throughout the body.

How does anemia affect children and teens?

The child with anemia may be lethargic, irritable, and unable to concentrate. Even mild anemia can result in extreme fatigue and interfere with a child's ability to perform at school or participate in social activities.
For infants, iron deficiency may cause a delay in mental and psychomotor development that may not be reversible. Teenage girls with even moderate iron deficiency may demonstrate poorer cognitive and academic performance.