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INTRODUCTION—Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in children. The global prevalence of anemia in 2010 was 32.9 percent, with the highest burden in children less than five years of age [1]. Iron deficiency is a particularly challenging problem for resource-limited nations in Asia and Africa [2, 3]. In the United States and other resource-abundant settings, rates of iron deficiency are substantially lower, yet iron deficiency is still common and can have important consequences to health and development.

This topic review focuses on evaluation for anemia that is likely due to iron deficiency in infants and young children, including screening, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. Related material can be found in the following topic reviews: