Low iron is the most common nutrition problem in the world. It is the cause of Iron-deficiency (or low-iron) anemia. This means there is not enough iron in the body. 

Here are some ways low iron can affect people:

Pregnancy increases the need for iron. This is because the body makes more blood to share with the growing baby. For this reason, people who are pregnant are at high risk for anemia. This can be harmful for both the pregnant person and their baby. Without  enough iron, baby may not be able to grow well. 

During pregnancy, early labor can occur if there is not enough oxygen in the body. Most babies who are born early will have a low birth weight. Premature births and low birth weight in babies is a risk for developmental delays. This is because their brains have not fully developed either from lack of iron or from being born too early or both. 

A developmental delay is when a child does not reach the developmental milestones at the expected times. For example, most babies start rolling over between 4-6 months old. A baby with a developmental delay may not roll over within this age range.  

Pregnant people who do not have enough iron may:

• feel tired and weak

• look pale

• have irregular heartbeats 

• feel short of breath

• feel dizzy

• have chest pain or headache

• have cold hands and feet

• have increased chance of infection

Babies and children who do not get enough iron can have health problems. They may: 

• be fussy
• look pale
• feel tired and weak
• not eat well or grow well
• not learn well
• feel dizzy
• have a fast heartbeat

• People who are not pregnant can have similar health problems as those who are pregnant. This includes low iron. 
• Both men and women can be low in iron.

Recommendation

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all babies have their hemoglobin checked at 4 months and then again at 12 months. 

If you are concerned that you or your baby may have low iron, contact your healthcare provider.