Is Your Teen Anemic?
If your teen seems extra tired or cranky, it could be iron deficiency anemia (IDA)
Mar 29, 2022
Feb 13, 2023
Created With SupportAlex Fulton has been working in the wellness field for more than 20 years. She has written extensively about integrative medicine, herbalism, supplements and other topics related to holistic health. Alex also focuses on issues related to women's health, from menstruation to menopause. She has collaborated with physicians, midwives and functional medicine practitioners to promote natural approaches to health care for women. She has a BA in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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If your teen seems extra tired or cranky, it could be iron deficiency anemia (IDA)
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sharon D. Allison-Ottey
Designed by Sarah Hoctor
What is iron deficiency anemia?
IDA happens when the body is missing the iron needed to produce healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen to organs and tissues.
Symptoms in teens may include:
The signs and symptoms of IDA can overlap with those of other conditions, and some people with IDA may not experience any symptoms at all.
What causes iron deficiency anemia in teens?
Potential complications of iron deficiency anemia in teens
Teens with anemia may be too tired to do anything physical or might struggle to stay focused at school. If left untreated, anemia may also lead to:
Getting enough iron
To help your teen get enough iron, focus on feeding them foods that are rich in iron, such as:
Treatment for anemia
If your teen has anemia from low iron, there are several ways it can be treated.
Worried your teen may be anemic?
Talk to your teen’s healthcare provider. Other tests may also be needed to find out why they have low iron.
This resource was created with support from Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.