IRON DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN -ANEMIA
PARENTING ADVICE ON PREVENTION
Iron deficiency in children is a common worldwide problem. States show that about almost 20%-50% of world population is affected by iron deficiency which causes severe brain development delays in our children. It develops slowly in children and produces few acute symptoms that’s why it is usually neglected by parents and they are unable to determine why their kids are feeble and not performing in high standard activities at school. This article will let a parent understand all about iron deficiency by discovering its causes, symptoms and prevention.
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UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS IRON DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN?
Parents need to understand that iron deficiency in children is one of major nutritional deficiencies that is causing their kids brain to develop slowly, they become cranky and look weak.
It is a blood disorder in which our red blood cells (RBC’s) are not producing enough hemoglobin that carry oxygen to all the parts of the body. In order to perform this duty RBC’s, require iron and not getting enough iron can lead to low blood count and ultimately your child appear pale in color and tired. Another word for iron deficiency is known as anemia.
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WHY IS IRON IMPORTANT FOR CHILDREN?
Red blood cells produce hemoglobin which requires iron. These red blood cells carry oxygen to the lungs and to different parts of the body. Oxygen is not only transferred but also stored in muscles for performing important bodily functions. It can range from mild to severe. And can affect your child’s growth and development. However, giving attention to your child’s health will make it easy for parents to diagnose and treat this condition.
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SYMPTOMS OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA: –
When iron deficiency become severe it is then called anemia. The common symptoms of anemia are,
| MILD | SEVERE |
| · Yellowish, pale skin. | · Kids become cranky and fussy. |
| · Cold hands and feet | · Increased heartbeat. |
| · Reduced energy or fatigue | · Prone to infections |
| · Poor academic performance | · Restless leg syndrome |
| · Poor appetite | |
| · The Lining of the eyelids and the nail beds may look less pink than normal. | · Enlarged spleen. |
| · Weak or feeble child. | · Shortness of breath |
| · Headaches & fainting |
Parents must observe each of these symptoms in their children because lack of iron can affect their ability to focus, learn and perform. A Severe form of this condition can cause permanent and long-term developmental impairments.
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CAUSES OF IRON DEFICIENCY: –
Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by several factors,
- A Diet low in iron: One of the major causes of lack of iron is children not eating iron rich food (especially rich in vitamin C). Mostly focused on eating junk food.
- Body changes: When a child is in his/her growth phase, massive body changes require a lot of iron and in that scenario deficiency of iron often occurs.
- Loss of Blood: Any accidental or non-accidental injury that can lead to great blood loss (internal or external) can make a child anemic.
Teen girls with heavy periods also suffers from blood loss which depletes stored iron from their body and this is one of the major reasons of iron deficiency in them.
- Hereditary issues: Kids born with deficiency of iron need special attention. Parents with mutated gene transfer it to their kid and they are born with this deficiency. This is an uncommon condition.
- Gastrointestinal tract problems: GI problems can make it hard for your body to absorb iron and other nutrients from food.
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NATURAL TREATMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY (HOME REMEDIES): –
Iron deficiency in children can be managed by parents if they give proper attention to their kid’s diet. Ensure that their kids are following the diet plan and observe their symptoms. 
Healthcare providers also prescribe iron supplements in severe cases of anemia. However, iron supplements have side effects like turning stool dark and upsetting the stomach and bowel movements.
| IRON-RICH FOODS | QUANTITY |
| Prune Juice | 1/2 cups |
| Walnuts | 1/2 cups |
| Ground beef | 3 ounces |
| Chickpeas | 1/2 cups |
| Cashew nuts | 1/2 cups |
| Spinach | 1/2 cups |
| Kidney beans | 1/2 cups |
| Roast beef | 3 ounces |
| Green Peas | 1/2cups |
| Potato | 1 |
| Sweet potato | 1/2cups |
| Egg | 1 |
These are all the iron rich sources, although the body absorbs iron better from meat sources than plant. Similarly, there are antinutrients as well which must be taken with iron rich foods to increase their absorption.
- Antinutrient
- Tea
- Coffee
- Dairy products
- Iron rich food for vegans
Vitamin C is an essential source of iron. Studies suggest that it increases non-heme iron absorption. It is usually coming from vegetarian sources and is best for vegans. Some vitamin C sources include citrus fruits, broccoli, bell pepper, kiwi, papaya, tomatoes, brussels sprout etc.
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PREVENTION: –
Parents can prevent their children from getting anemic by taking following precautionary measures,
Providing kids with a healthy diet: Provide your children with iron fortified foods like cereals, pureed beans and pureed meat at a very early age to maintain their iron levels. Similarly adding leafy green vegetables to the diet is as essential as anything else.
Routine healthcare check-ups: Monitoring iron levels in the blood of your child is essential in keeping track of your child’s health. So never skip any appointment to your child’s health specialist whenever it is due.
Vitamin C rich food: They catch the non-heme iron and then store it in the form that the body can absorb more easily. Iron absorption in the body increases after eating vitamin C rich food.
Prevent giving too much milk: Make sure your kid must not drink milk more than 24 ounces in a day especially around the age of 1-5 years because too much calcium will decrease iron absorption.