8 Body growth slows down late in adolescence, at which point the iron status of boys appears to improve. Adult men, therefore, typically have larger iron stores than women. The health consequences of anemia in children and adolescents are well documented. In children, anemia affects physical growth and mental development. Boys and girls both need iron for growth during adolescence, and girls have a continuing need to replace iron lost during menstruation.
Girls often enter their active reproductive years in late adolescence with poor iron status.
Because pregnancy requires more iron for increased blood production, an iron deficit can result in negative reproductive consequences. 17 Anemia during pregnancy is associated with prematurity and low birth weight. Anemia is also related to perinatal and maternal mortality. Early adolescence is a critical period for addressing anemia in both girls and boys. Adolescents can often be reached through educational and social activities.