Iron Deficiency Anaemia 

This is the most common nutritional and haematologic disorder  in infancy and chhildhood in developing countries. It is caused by lack of sufficient iron  for  the synthesis  of haemoglobin. 

Etiology 

Iron deficiency  anaemia results from inadequate diet, defective absorption andlor increased demands of iron. It is more common in twins, low birth weight babies, babies of high birth order and babies born to anaemic mothers. Late weaning, infections, particularly gastrointestinal,  parasitic infestation,  acute  and chronic blood loss, recurrent diarrhoea, steatorrhoea and poor diet as a result of anorexia are important  factors.