Anaemia is common during the teenage years, yet it is often missed or misunderstood. This stage of life places high demands on the body, and iron levels can drop over time if those demands are not met.
Below are five key reasons why anaemia develops so often in teenagers, especially in regions where certain infections are common.
- Rapid growth increases iron needs
During adolescence, the body grows quickly. Blood volume expands, muscles develop, and oxygen needs increase. Iron is essential for making haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. If iron intake does not keep up with this rapid growth, iron stores can fall, increasing the risk of anaemia.
- Menstrual blood loss in girls
For girls, the start of menstruation (periods) adds another source of iron loss. Even regular periods can reduce iron levels over time, particularly if bleeding is heavy or lasts many days. This monthly loss, combined with growth-related iron demands, makes teenage girls especially vulnerable to iron deficiency.
- Malaria destroys red blood cells
Malaria is a major contributor to anaemia in many parts of Africa. The malaria parasite destroys red blood cells, reducing the body’s ability to carry oxygen. Repeated malaria infections can quickly lower haemoglobin levels, making it harder for the body to recover normal iron balance.
- Intestinal worms cause ongoing iron loss
Certain intestinal worms attach to the gut wall and feed on blood. This leads to slow but continuous blood loss, which can be difficult to detect. Over time, this hidden loss can significantly reduce iron levels, especially in growing teenagers who already have higher iron needs.
- Repeated infections increase iron demand
When the body is fighting infections, it uses more iron. Inflammation caused by illness can also interfere with how the body uses and stores iron. This means that infections do not only cause iron loss but can also make it harder for the body to maintain healthy iron levels.
Anaemia in teenagers is common, but it is not inevitable. Awareness around it can help families and healthcare providers take early action and support healthier development during these critical years.
References
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-025-23701-4#
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41311718/#
