Children's Hospital Colorado

Iron Deficiency and Microcytic Anemia (S5:E16)

Due to deficient synthesis of hemoglobin that may be caused by inadequate heme production or abnormalities of globin chain synthesis, microcytic anemias are among the most common types of anemia in pediatric patients.

Listen to pediatric experts discuss iron deficiency and microcytic anemia

In this episode, Taizo Nakano, MD, joins us for a conversation on screening, workup and treatment of iron deficiency and microcytic anemia in children.

Dr. Nakano is the Medical Director of the Vascular Anomalies Center at Children’s Colorado and Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplantation at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

In this episode, our experts discuss:

  • The role of cow's milk in driving iron deficiency in children
  • Deciphering the results from the complete blood count (CBC) measure
  • Framing conversations with families about changing diet and transitioning from milk
  • Iron supplement types and dosages
  • The usefulness of ferritin as a marker of iron storage and protein status
  • Referral criteria for children and adolescents with low levels of iron

Hematologic care at Children’s Colorado

The Hematology Program at Children’s Colorado has nationally and internationally renowned hematology experts who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and support of pediatric hematology conditions.

Refer a patient to Children’s Colorado.