Why is iron important for children?

Iron helps move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It also helps muscles store and use oxygen. If your child's diet lacks iron, you child might develop an iron deficiency.

The condition is a common problem in children. It can range from mild to serious. Without treatment, it can affect a child's growth and development. Sometimes, being low on iron can leave the body without enough healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen. This is a serious condition called iron deficiency anemia.