Abstract
Objective: To identify the damage caused by iron deficiency anemia in childhood, drawing attention to the importance and benefits of ferrous sulfate supplementation in this age group as a way to prevent iron deficiency anemia in children. Bibligraphic review: Iron deficiency anemia is considered a public health problem, especially in developing countries. It is a consequence of one of the most common nutritional deficiencies and mainly affects children aged between 6 and 24 months, who are at twice the risk of developing the disease. In order to reduce the incidence of iron deficiency in this specific population, the main pediatric consensuses indicate the prophylactic supplementation of ferrous sulfate in children in this age group. Final considerations: Iron deficiency anemia is a serious public health problem. When present in childhood, it is capable of generating numerous negative effects on the child's growth and development. Early diagnosis and treatment of this disorder, as well as prophylactic supplementation with ferrous sulfate from the 3rd month of life onwards, are extremely important measures capable of significantly improving health outcomes in this area.