Click here to view. The prevalence of anemia is about 29 to 30 cases per 1,000 females of all ages and six cases per 1,000 males under the age of 45, rising to a peak of 18.5 cases per 1,000 men over age 75. Deficiencies of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid are the most common causes. Severe anemia may be tolerated well if it develops gradually. The evaluation should determine if the anemia is of acute or chronic onset, and clues to any underlying systemic process should be sought.
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia.
In children, the deficiency is typically caused by diet. Ferrous salts of iron are absorbed much more readily and are generally preferred. All three forms are well absorbed. Ferrous sulfate is the least expensive and most commonly used oral iron supplement. For iron replacement therapy, a dosage equivalent to 150 to 200 mg of elemental iron per day is recommended.