Final answer:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening infants for iron deficiency anemia between 9 and 12 months of age and annually for high-risk children. Adolescents should be screened if they have risk factors. Dietary intake and supplementation for those at risk, including vegans, vegetarians, and women with heavy menstrual periods, are critical for preventing iron deficiency anemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening for iron deficiency anemia at different stages of a child's development. The most critical periods for screening are:
- Once between the age of 9 and 12 months for all infants
- Yearly if a child is at high risk due to factors such as being overweight, having a history of prematurity, or exclusively breastfeeding past 6 months without iron supplementation.
Additionally, adolescents should be screened if they exhibit risk factors for iron deficiency, such as heavy menstrual periods or a diet lacking in iron-rich foods. If a child drinks more than 24 ounces of milk per day, this can interfere with iron absorption, and additional screening might be necessary. It is also essential for individuals with diets low in iron, such as vegans and vegetarians, to be aware of their iron intake and consider supplementation if necessary.
Iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate for anemic women or ferrous ammonium citrate mixtures for children, can help prevent or treat iron deficiency anemia. Since iron absorption is only about 10%, incorporating sources of vitamin C with iron-rich foods can enhance iron uptake.