The teen years are a period of intense growth. During this time, 20% of final adult height and 50% of adult weight are attained. Because of this rapid growth, teens are especially vulnerable to anemia. During a growth spurt, the body has a greater need for all types of nutrients, including iron, which we need to get in the foods we eat.

Who is at risk for Anemia?
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in teens in the U.S., and an adolescent girl is 10 times more likely to develop anemia than a boy. Teenagers are at the highest risk of anemia during their adolescent growth spurt. After puberty, girls are at more risk of iron deficiency anemia than guys are. That's because a girl needs more iron to make up for the blood lost during her periods. Mexican-American teenagers and adolescents in lower-income homes are also at a higher risk. However, people from all backgrounds can develop iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.

Why is Iron Important?
In teenagers, iron deficiency is more than just being pale and tired. It can affect their development and school performance. Teens with anemia have decreased verbal learning and memory, as well as lower standardized math scores. Even before anemia might develop, iron deficiency can cause shortened attention span, alertness, and learning in adolescents. Fortunately, anemia is reversible and with adequate iron in diets, learning ability, as well as test scores, can be improved.

What can I do to prevent anemia?
Eat a balanced and healthy diet naturally rich in iron. Start out your day with breakfast rich in iron, such as an iron-fortified cereal or bread. Lean meat, raisins, spinach, eggs, dried beans, and molasses are also good sources of iron. Eat vegetables that are colorful and green, like kale, broccoli, and spinach. A simpler approach is to also to take a multivitamin containing iron every day.

Getting enough sleep – at least 8 hours each night – is also recommended to treat anemia. With a proper diet and sleep, as well as iron supplements, the anemia should subside within a few weeks.

How can I tell I have anemia?
If your health care provider suspects you may be anemic, he or she may choose to do a simple blood test to measure hemoglobin levels. Because the body’s iron supply is depleted slowly, a lot of teenagers with iron deficiency anemia don’t have symptoms that are easy to see. As anemia gradually gets worse, though, they may start to experience some noticeable symptoms, like tiredness, weakness, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, irritability, decreased appetite or dizziness.