PEHSU Factsheet: Recommendations on Management of Childhood Lead Exposure > Iron Deficiency Screening
posted on Sep 21, 2021
- Iron deficiency enhances absorption of ingested lead.
- Hemoglobin is a lagging indicator of iron deficiency, and only 40% of children with anemia are iron deficient.
- Lead-exposed children should be screened for iron-deficiency anemia.
- Evidence suggests consuming regular, iron-rich, nutritious meals provides the most benefit for children. This should be considered before recommending nutritional supplementation to parents