The adolescence years are one of the most important times for physical and mental changes. It is during the brief teenaged years that kids refine the skills they need to become productive adults. It is also a time when biological changes are putting a strain on the bodies of most teens. Parents tend to overlook some obvious physical signs that could be signs of anemia, because we expect teens to appear tired and moody.

Anemia is a condition where there is a nutritional iron deficiency.  It can affect a teen’s ability to grow and learn.  It is mostly common in teenage girls due to heavy menstruation, but it can affect boys as well.

Girls who have anemia due to menstruation tend to have the problems of iron deficiency follow them into adulthood. Most teenage boy with anemia is just experiencing a growth spurt that is demanding extra iron that their nutritional system does not have. Most male teens with anemia will not have the condition into adulthood when they have stopped growing.  Teenage girls who experience heavy menstrual flow and diet are at high risk for anemia. They usually do not consume enough red meat to replace the iron lost to menstruation. Teenage girls who diet and exercise to maintain their figure; may need to take an iron supplement as a precaution for not developing anemia

Many teens adopt vegan or vegetarian diets to express their own ethical view points. These teens need to be encouraged to not skip means and to eat lots of iron rich green vegetables. Red meat is not the only source of iron in our diet. Encouraging all teens to eat a moderate well rounded diet is a way to prevent anemia and other nutritional issues.

The most obvious signs that your teen is iron deficient are fatigue and a pale complexion. In some cases you will notice a falling off in grades due to the fact that an iron deficient teen may have difficulty concentration. A simple blood test can determine if your teen is iron deficient. A close look at their diet may demonstrate a lack of iron rich foods or even a lack of vitamin C which is required for the body to properly absorb iron.  Your doctor can determine if an iron supplement or just a dietary change is needed.

Giving your teen a multiple vitamin with iron can cover some of their iron intake needs; if you feel they will not willingly make dietary changes. Girls who menstruate heavily may need a supplement of iron throughout their reproductive years. It is a discussion you should have with your child’s doctor.