Beware of Iron Deficiency in Children

Iron is an essential nutrient for children’s growth and development. Iron deficiency can affect the process of growth and development and can cause children to experience anemia or a lack of red blood cells. Although the role of iron is very important, not a few children experience a lack of iron intake.

Why is iron important for children?

Iron helps the process of delivering oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Iron also helps the process of storing oxygen in the muscles until it is used later. If your child doesn't get enough iron from his diet, he may have an iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency in children is a common problem. This can occur in varying degrees, from mild to severe, and leads to anemia. An iron deficiency that is untreated can interfere with children’s process of growth and development.

How much iron do children need?

Babies are born with iron stores stored in their bodies. However, the need for iron will slowly increase to be used as fuel for the child's growth and development process. The following is the daily iron intake requirement of children based on their age group:

1. Children aged 7-12 months need 11 mg of iron per day.
2. Children aged 1-3 years need 7 mg of iron per day.
3. Children aged 4-8 years need 10 mg of iron per day.
4. Children aged 9-13 years need 8 mg of iron per day.
5. Children aged 14-18 years need 18 mg of iron per day for girls, while boys need 11 mg.

Who is at risk for iron deficiency?

The following are groups of children who have a higher risk for iron deficiency including :

1. Babies born prematurely or born with low birth weight.
2. Babies who consume cow's milk or goat's milk before the age of 1 year.
3. Babies who are breastfed but not supplemented with complementary foods that contain iron
4. Infants who drink formula milk that is not fortified with iron.
5. Children are aged 1-5 years who drink more than 710 ml of cow, goat, or soy milk in one day.
6. Children with certain health conditions, such as chronic infections and strict diets
7. Children are exposed to pollutants, especially lead.
8. Children who are overweight or obese.

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?

Insufficient iron intake can interfere with the body's functions the child. However, most of the symptoms of iron deficiency in children do not appear until it is at a severe level, namely anemia. However, here are some signs and symptoms that can be seen:

1. Pale skin
2. Cold hands and feet
3. Slow growth and development
4. Poor appetite
5. Abnormal breathing rhythm

How to prevent iron deficiency in children?

Here are some ways that can be done to prevent children from iron deficiency conditions:

1. Give iron supplements to children through the selection of foods that already contain added iron, such as formula milk, or cereal.
2. Provide foods that are rich in iron content as complementary foods for breast milk if the child is 6 months old or older. Whereas in older children, intake of foods rich in iron can be in the form of red meat, fish meat, beans, and spinach.
3. Increase the ability to absorb iron nutrients by consuming vitamin C intake. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, and other fruits or vegetables.

Make sure your child gets enough iron intake to support their growth and development process. Iron deficiency can be identified and diagnosed through blood test results.

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Source: Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022). Iron deficiency in children: Prevention tips for parents. Mayo Clinic. [online]. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/iron-deficiency/art-20045634