title: Iron deficiency anemia in adolescents; a literature review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Anemia is one of the most important nutritional deficiencies affecting various social and socioeconomic strata. It is more common in developing countries, with children and adolescents being at a significantly higher risk for the condition.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To perform a literature review on iron deficiency anemia in adolescence as a public health issue and on the risk factors that may contribute towards nutritional deficiencies, stunted growth and development in this age group, emphasizing the physiopathology and causes of anemia, the different diagnostic approaches, and its clinical characteristics, prevention and treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The LILACS-BIREME, SCIELO and PUBMED databases were consulted for the study. Scientific papers published in Spanish, Portuguese or English between 2000 and 2013 on the subject of iron deficiency anemia in adolescents were selected for inclusion. A total of 102 studies published between January 1st, 2000 and June 30th, 2013 were identified and evaluated. Forty-two articles meeting the inclusion criterion (adolescents with anemia) were selected for this review. Finally, an analysis was conducted and the papers were evaluated in accordance with the study objectives.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The studies reviewed revealed a prevalence of iron deficiency anemia of around 20% in adolescents and described the harmful effects of anemia in this age group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preventive action is required with respect to iron deficiency anemia. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the need for early diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment.
authors: Doctoral student in Medicine and Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia. Preceptor of the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Professor Edgard Santos Teaching Hospital. Pediatrician, Emergency Department, Hospital Aliança. Member of the Bahia Society of Pediatrics (SOBAPE). Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.. romildacairo@terra.com.br.
authors: Romilda Castro
authors: RC
authors: De Andrade Cairo
authors: Head of the Department of Pediatrics, Head of the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Professor Edgard Santos Teaching Hospital. Permanent member of the Postgraduate Program in Medicine and Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia. Salvador, Bahia, Brazil..
authors: Luciana
authors: L
authors: Rodrigues Silva
authors: Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia (retired). Salvador, Bahia, Brazil..
authors: Nadya
authors: N
authors: Carneiro Bustani
authors: Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, Federal University of Bahia. Preceptor of the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Professor Edgard Santos Teaching Hospital. Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Hospital Central Roberto Santos. Salvador, Bahia, Brazil..
authors: Cibele Dantas
authors: CD
authors: Ferreira Marques
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors