Plain Language Summary: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional deficiency in children and can affect energy, concentration, school performance, and development. This review found that both oral and intravenous (IV) iron are effective treatments, but IV iron may help children recover faster, especially those with severe anemia, absorption problems, or difficulty taking oral iron regularly.
The findings support continued use of oral iron as a first-line treatment for many children while suggesting that IV iron can be a safe and effective option for those who need quicker or more reliable treatment.
