<prompt> The earliest indicator of response after starting iron therapy in a 6 year old with iron deficiency is:Increased ferritinIncreased haemoglobinIncreased reticulocyte countIncreased serum iron  <response>: Ans. C. Increased reticulocyte count Reticulocyte count is the earliest to rise after starting iron therapy. This is followed by elevation of haemoglobin levels. Body iron stores are repleted after the correction of haemoglobin levels. 