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Iron and Vitamin B12 Levels in School-Age Children

Isıl Culha Hosceylan1, Tunç Kallemoglu2, Mine Basibuyuk3

  • 1Department of Social Pediatrics, Division of Pediatrics, Istanbul Medipol University.

Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
|August 20, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Anemia is more prevalent in school-age girls, while vitamin B12 deficiency affects adolescent boys more frequently. Monitoring iron and vitamin B12 is crucial for children's health.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Hematology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Micronutrient deficiencies, including iron and vitamin B12, are prevalent in school-aged children.
  • These deficiencies can impede growth and cognitive development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess iron and vitamin B12 levels in school-aged children.
  • To identify prevalence and risk factors for deficiencies.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cross-sectional study of 234 children (ages 6-18) at a Family Medicine Unit.
  • Evaluated hemogram, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, and vitamin B12 levels.

Main Results:

  • Anemia prevalence was 9.4% (higher in girls).
  • Iron deficiency anemia found in 3.4% of children.
  • 56.3% had low ferritin levels.
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency affected 40.6%, particularly adolescent boys (ages 12-18).

Conclusions:

  • Anemia is more common in school-age girls.
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency is more prevalent in adolescent boys.
  • Regular monitoring of iron and vitamin B12 is essential for child health.
Abstract

Keywords:
adolescentsanemia prevalenceiron deficiencyschool-age childrenvitamin b12 deficiency

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