Who's at risk of iron deficiency?

Infants at highest risk of iron deficiency include those who:

• Are born prematurely or have a low birth weight.
• Drink cow's milk or goat's milk before age 1.
• Aren't given other foods that contain iron after age 6 months.
• Drink formula that isn't fortified with iron.

Children at highest risk of iron deficiency include those who:

• Are ages 1 to 5 and drink more than 24 ounces (710 milliliters) of cow's milk, goat's milk or soy milk a day.
• Have certain health conditions, such as chronic infections or restricted diets.
• Have been exposed to lead.
• Don't eat enough iron-rich foods.
• Are overweight or obese.

Adolescent girls also are at higher risk of iron deficiency. Their bodies lose iron during menstruation.