DefinitionAnemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells bring oxygen to body tissues.There are many types of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood due to a lack of iron.This article focuses on iron deficiency anemia in children.Alternative NamesAnemia - iron deficiency - childrenCauses, incidence, and risk factorsIron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. You get iron through certain foods, and your body also reuses iron from old red blood cells.Iron deficiency (too little iron) may be caused by:An iron-poor diet (this is the most common cause)Body not being able to absorb iron very well, even though you're eating enough ironLong-term, slow blood loss -- usually throu