Low Iron

Evidence 
 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566715/ 

Jorge Moreno-Fernandez, Julio J. Ochoa, Gladys O. Latunde-Dada, and Javier Diaz-Castro 

Iron is an essential micronutrient that is involved in many functions in humans, as it plays a critical role in the growth and development of the central nervous system, among others. Premature and low birth weight infants have higher iron requirements due to increased postnatal growth compared to that of term infants and are, therefore, susceptible to a higher risk of developing iron deficiency or iron deficiency anaemia. 

Education 

Iron is an essential nutrient that carries oxygen in the blood. It is also vital for energy production, growth development, brain function, immune activity and healthy cell function. 

Prematurity and low birth weight are major risk factors for the development of iron deficiency in children. 

Babies, children, and teenagers undergo regular and rapid growth spurts which increase their need for iron. If your child is following a vegan or vegetarian diet, they are at higher risk of iron deficiency and extra care needs to be taken. 

Iron deficiency can affect a child’s energy and their ability to learn or focus. Severe iron deficiency can result in sustained developmental problems. 

The signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia in preschool aged children include: 

• Repeated infections 

• Lethargy 

• Pale skin 

• Fatigue and or breathlessness 

• Loss of appetite 

• Increased sweating 

• Food cravings like eating dirt or ice 

• Failure to grow at the expected rate

Empowerment 

To prevent iron deficiency in preschool aged children: 

• Include a wide variety of whole foods into your child's diet. Things like seaweed, lean red meat, tuna, tofu and seeds are all very rich in iron. Other important sources of iron include dried beans, lentils, chickpeas, poultry, fish, eggs and small amounts of nuts and nut pastes. 

• Include Vitamin C as this helps the body absorb more iron. Foods rich in Vitamin C include oranges, lemons, berries, tomatoes, cabbage and broccoli.

Intestinal parasites such as worms can cause iron deficiency. See your doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment. 

Picky eaters may be at risk of iron deficiency due to inadequate food intake or a reduced variety in their diet. It’s important to seek advice from an accredited Practising Dietitian, doctor, or child health nurse. 

If you suspect your child may have iron deficiency, talk to your child’s doctor and he/she can arrange for screening to check iron levels. Diagnosis also involved the exclusion of other illnesses that have similar symptoms. Iron can be toxic, so it is important to avoid giving iron supplementation to your child unless advised to do so by your doctor. 

Being aware of the symptoms of iron deficiency in children and what foods contain iron will help prevent your child from developing iron deficiency anaemia. This will all help ease any anxiety you might possibly feel.  

Useful Links  

Queensland Government  

https://www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/child-health/diet-and-eating/iron-for-toddlers-and-children 

Raising Children 

https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/anaemia 

Health Direct  

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/iron-deficiency 

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