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Micronutrient deficiencies in children with iron deficiency

Fatih Mete1, Gül Nihal Özdemir2, Beril Kara Esen3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences Istanbul Bağcılar Research and Training Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|October 31, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Children with iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) often have concurrent deficiencies in other essential micronutrients. This study found significantly lower zinc and folic acid levels in children with ID and IDA, highlighting the need for comprehensive nutritional assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Clinical Micronutrient Research
  • Public Health Pediatrics

Background:

  • Iron deficiency (ID) and micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) are critical pediatric public health issues.
  • ID is frequently diagnosed, but co-occurring MNDs are often missed.
  • This study investigated MNDs associated with ID and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and quantify other micronutrient deficiencies in children diagnosed with ID or IDA.
  • To assess the prevalence of specific MNDs alongside ID and IDA.
  • To understand the clinical implications of co-occurring deficiencies.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective single-center study of 157 children (6 months–18 years) with suspected ID/IDA.
  • Comparison of micronutrient levels (including zinc, folic acid, vitamins A, D, E, B12) between children with and without ID/IDA.
  • Statistical analysis to determine the risk and significance of deficiencies.

Main Results:

  • 48% of children had ID, and 17% had IDA.
  • Children with ID showed significantly lower zinc levels (p=0.020) and higher zinc deficiency prevalence (p<0.001).
  • Children with IDA had significantly higher risk and lower levels of folic acid (p=0.018) and zinc (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Children with ID/IDA are at increased risk for deficiencies beyond iron.
  • Zinc and folic acid deficiencies are particularly common comorbidities.
  • Comprehensive nutritional screening is crucial for pediatric patients with ID/IDA.
Abstract

Keywords:
anemiairon deficiencymicronutrient deficiency

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