Nutritional Anemias: Iron Deficiency and Megaloblastic Anemia

Nutritional anemias in children are important for the clinician to be able to recognize, diagnosis, and treat. Iron deficiency is not only the most common nutritional anemia but also the most common cause of anemia in infancy and childhood. Iron deficiency anemia has important health ramifications including effects on neurodevelopment. Dietary modifications can prevent iron deficiency, and if iron deficiency develops, simple interventions help prevent cognitive detriments. Given the common prevalence of this disease and its impact on neurodevelopment, it is imperative that primary care physicians recognize the condition early and initiate treatment.