Anemia caused by iron and nutritional deficiency Anemia is the most common form in infants. An inadequate diet that does not have enough Iron is the most common cause. As babies are at a period of rapid growth, they need even more amount of Iron. Babies of 9 through 24 months old are most commonly affected by Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Breastfed babies also suffer from Iron deficiency if the mother is anemic since, Iron is absorbed better in the case of breast milk. Formula milk with Iron or also called Iron-fortified milk may make up the lack of Iron necessary for the Infant. Infants younger than 12 months who drink cow's milk rather than breast milk or iron-fortified formula are more likely to have Anemia. Feeding excess cow's whole milk leads to Anemia because such milk is low in iron and can make children feel full, resulting in a decrease in the amount of other iron-rich foods they eat.
Infants suffering from Anemia generally display behavioral problems, loss of appetite and feel tired and weak all the time. They also develop unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances; a condition called Pica, such as ice, dirt, etc. Such infants suffer from abnormally rapid breathing and slowed growth and development.