Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, and one of the few nutritional deficiency conditions that remains common in the developed world.This is particularly true for infants aged between six months and two years. For them the consequence of iron-deficiency anaemia are more serious than those of in adults.
Abnormalities attributed to iron deficiency include decreased immunity, altered intestinal function, abnormal body heat production, decreased red blood cell formation.
Iron-deficiency anaemia during infancy maybe associated with irreversible and detrimental effects on intellectual and motor performance, including basic learning skills.
Children with iron-deficiency anaemia in infancy are at risk of long-lasting development impairment. Iron deficiency also restrict linear growth.
