Which age group is most likely to experience iron deficiency anemia?

Children aged 6 to 12 months are most likely to experience iron deficiency anemia due to various factors related to their rapid growth and changes in dietary intake. During this period, infants transition from a diet primarily consisting of breast milk or formula to solid foods, which may not always provide sufficient iron. Iron needs increase significantly during this time as the child's growth rate accelerates, and the natural iron reserves that were present at birth start to deplete.

Breast milk contains limited iron, making it essential for parents to introduce iron-rich foods around the 6-month mark to prevent deficiency. Additionally, cow's milk, often introduced during this period, can interfere with iron absorption and is not a good source of iron. These dietary factors combined with the increased iron demands for growth set the stage for a higher prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in this age group.

While the other age groups listed can also experience iron deficiency anemia, particularly adolescents due to growth spurts and increased menstrual losses in females, the specific time frame of 6 to 12 months presents a unique risk due to dietary transitions and increased iron requirements.