Screening for Iron Deficiency Anemia

Including Iron Supplementation for Children and Pregnant Women

Release Date: May 2006

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This topic page summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for iron deficiency anemia.

Summary of Screening Recommendations / Summary of Supplementation Recommendations / Supporting Documents

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Screening Children and Pregnant Women for Iron Deficiency Anemia

• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (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.
  Grade: I Statement.
• The USPSTF recommends routine screening for iron deficiency anemia in asymptomatic pregnant women.
  Grade: B Recommendation.

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Iron Supplementation for Children and Pregnant Women

• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends routine iron supplementation for asymptomatic children aged 6 to 12 months who are at increased risk for iron deficiency anemia (go to Clinical Considerations for a discussion of increased risk).
  Grade: B Recommendation.
• 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.
  Grade: I Statement.
• The USPSTF concludes that evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine iron supplementation for non-anemic pregnant women.
  Grade: I Statement.

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Supporting Documents

Screening for Iron Deficiency Anemia—Including Iron Supplementation for Children and Pregnant Women, May 2006
Recommendation Statement (PDF File, 80 KB; PDF Help)
Evidence Synthesis (PDF File, 350 KB; PDF Help)

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Current as of May 2006

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Internet Citation:

Screening for Iron Deficiency Anemia, Topic Page. May 2006. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsiron.htm

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