Iron Deficiency in Children: The Overlooked Nutrient That Impacts Energy, Mood, and Brain Development

Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide, and it is more common in children than many parents realize. Iron is best known for helping the body make hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

However, iron’s role goes far beyond oxygen delivery. It supports normal growth, immune function, and healthy brain development, including myelination and neurotransmitter synthesis. This means a child can be impacted by low iron before they ever meet the criteria for anemia.