Screening for iron deficiency anemia - including iron supplementation for children and pregnant women.

Screening for iron deficiency anemia - including iron supplementation for children and pregnant women.

• Screening Children and Pregnant Women for Iron Deficiency Anemia
1. The USPSTF concludes that evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening for iron deficiency anemia in asymptomatic children aged 6 to 12 months. I recommendation
2. The USPSTF recommends routine screening for iron deficiency anemia in asymptomatic pregnant women. B recommendation

The USPSTF was unable to determine the balance between the benefits and harms of routine screening for iron deficiency anemia in asymptomatic children aged 6 to 12 months. The USPSTF concludes that the benefits of routine screening for iron deficiency anemia in asymptomatic pregnant women outweigh the potential harms.

• Iron Supplementation for Children and Pregnant Women

1. The USPSTF recommends routine iron supplementation for asymptomatic children aged 6 to 12 months who are at increased risk for iron deficiency anemia (see Clinical Considerations below for a discussion of increased risk). B recommendation
2. The USPSTF concludes that evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine iron supplementation for asymptomatic children aged 6 to 12 months who are at average risk for iron deficiency anemia. I recommendation
3. The USPSTF concludes that evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine iron supplementation for non-anemic pregnant women. I recommendation
4. The USPSTF concludes that the moderate benefits of iron supplementation in asymptomatic children aged 6 to 12 months who are at increased risk for iron deficiency anemia outweigh the potential harms. The USPSTF was unable to determine the balance between the benefits and harms of iron supplementation in children aged 6 to 12 months who are at average risk for iron deficiency anemia, and of iron supplementation in non-anemic pregnant women.