What are the symptoms of iron deficiency in children?

Too little iron can make it harder for your child to function well. But most symptoms of low iron in children don't appear until iron deficiency anemia happens. If your child has risk factors for an iron deficiency, talk to a member of your child's health care team.

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia might include:

• Light pink color, also called pallor, to the lips, gums, edge of the eyelids or to the nail beds.
• Tiredness and low energy, also called fatigue.
• Shortness of breath during exercise.
• Cold hands and feet.
• Slowed growth and development.
• Poor appetite.
• Irregular rapid breathing.
• Behavior problems or more short-tempered than usual.
• Frequent infections.
• Unusual cravings for things that contain few or no nutrients, such as ice, dirt, paint or starch.