Iron deficiency anemia is considered as one of the major national nutritional problems of India even today. Breast feeding is known to exert a protective role in prevention of iron deficiency anemia. Plasma iron is derived from that absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, that salvaged from the breakdown of haemoglobin and that released from the stores in the body. Normally plasma iron levels, can vary from 50-180 mg %. Clinical features of iron deficiency anemia are pallor, irritability, pica, koilonychia, lowered IQ and decreased attention span. Exclusive breast feeding over a prolonged period beyond 6 months is one major contributory factor for iron deficiency anemia. Inadequate intake of cereal based foods also can lead to poor plasma stores. Prevention of anemia comprises encouraging iron rich foods like jaggery, green leafy vegetables and animal sources in particular, which have better bio availability as compared to the vegetable sources. Ascorbic acid rich foods like citrus fruits and other vegetables too can help in enhancing iron absorption since iron is better absorbed in the acidic medium. Megaloblastic and pernicious anemia are also commonly seen among children which are due to deficiency of folic acid and B12 deficiency.