WHAT IS IRON? AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Iron is one of the essential nutrient required by the body for growth and development. Iron is responsible for formation of heme component of haemoglobin. Iron is also necessary for carrying oxygen from lungs to various parts of the body along with transfer of electrons within the cells. Iron is generally stored in the body at birth, however these stores tend to get depleted as age progresses if it’s not replenished with iron supplements.
Iron plays an important role in the growth and development of the child. When the child is in womb, iron is supplied by mother’s placenta to the child. Hence, it’s mandatory for every pregnant woman to have proper diet for the growth of the child. Postpartum source of iron in child is derived from the stored iron in the infant’s body. However around 6 months of age, infant need to be provided with external iron supplement to account for the depleted iron.
Iron deficiency, also known as sideropenia retards growth of infant. Deficiency of iron in early stages is known as latent iron deficiency or iron deficient erythropoiesis. Prolonged deficiency of iron leads to the development of medical condition known as anaemia or iron deficiency anaemia. Most of the infants, children and adolescent group is affected by iron deficiency anaemia.
CAUSES OF IRON DEFICIENCY IN INFANTS:
-Infants who are totally dependent on breast milk and are not provided other solid form of diet.
-Infants dependent on cow milk, soy milk, and goat milk without consuming other food substances.
-Children with poor appetite.
-Child who prefers vegan diet but refuses to consume iron rich foods.
-Children with malabsorption syndrome
-Poor intake of diet
-Children with hookworm infestation
-Few drugs like flouroquinolone interferes with absorption.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA;
-Fatigue/tiredness
-Paleness of the skin (due to lack of haemoglobin)
-Behavioural problems such as irritability, confusion
-Poor appetite
-Weakness
-Thinning of hair and nails
-Abnormal rapid breathing
-Frequent infections
-Pica (an unusual craving for non-edible substances such as mud, paint etc.)
Symptoms of iron deficiency appears before the onset of anaemia. Hence care must be taken to pay early attention to these symptoms and avoid the development of anaemia.
Recommended dietary allowance of iron for infants and children is as follows;
Age group Recommended amount of iron a day
7-12 months 11 mg
1-3 years 7 mg
4-8 years 10 mg
9-13 years 8 mg
14-18 years (girls) 15 mg
14-18 years (boys) 11 mg
DIAGNOSIS OF IRON DEFICIENCY:
Diagnosis of the problem is essential to render appropriate solution. Following are the ways to diagnose the condition;
Detailed medical history
Signs and symptoms
Complete Blood test
HOW TO DEAL WITH IRON DEFICIENCY?
Iron deficiency can be mild or severe. Depending upon the severity of deficiency your doctor may prescribe you with iron supplements which can be accessed online medicine delivery with 24 hours.
Mild iron deficiency can be prevented or corrected by eating iron-rich foods. Iron is available in majority of animal and plant products. Good sources of dietary iron have heme-iron, as this is most easily absorbed and is not inhibited by medication or other dietary components. This includes red meat, poultry, and fish. Non-heme sources do contain iron, though it has reduced bioavailability. Examples are lentils, beans, leafy vegetables, pistachios, tofu, fortified bread, and fortified breakfast cereals.
Iron from different foods is absorbed and processed differently by the body; for instance, iron in meat is more easily absorbed than iron in grains and vegetables. Minerals and chemicals in one type of food may also inhibit absorption of iron from another type of food eaten at the same time.
Vegetarians and vegans should have a somewhat higher total daily iron intake than those who eat meat, fish or poultry as the absorption of non-heme iron is lesser than heme-iron. Legumes and dark-green leafy vegetables like broccoli are especially good sources of iron for vegetarians and vegans. Iron from non-heme sources is more readily absorbed if consumed with foods that contain either heme-bound iron or vitamin C.
Introduction of fortified cereals formulas for infants can meet with the daily requirements of the body. Children should be given less of milk and taught to eat solid food substances. Consult nutritionist for children who prefer vegetarian diet. All these are easily available within the comfort of your home at - best medicine app in India.
CONCLUSION:
Having a disease is not dangerous, but ignoring the disease is. One must take appropriate care of health right from infancy to achieve growth milestones at appropriate age. In severe cases, any disease may turn fatal. Never ever turn a blind eye to your children’s growth.