What causes iron deficiency anemia due to nutritional deficiencies in children?

Iron deficiency anemia in children is mainly related to diet. Infants primarily consume dairy products, which are low in iron content. The iron in human breast milk is more readily absorbed than that in cow's milk. After six months of exclusive breastfeeding, if complementary foods are not introduced, anemia may develop. In older children, poor eating habits, food refusal, picky eating, or inadequate nutrition can lead to daily iron deficiency and eventually anemia. Chronic blood loss also contributes: normally, the body stores iron amounting to about 30% of total body iron. Even with minimal daily blood loss, iron depletion can exceed normal levels by more than double, leading to anemia.