Dealing With Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) In Children

Most people do not realize just how important iron is for a child's growth. What's more, many fail to realize that as children continue to grow, they need more of this mineral. Babies, unless they are born premature, are born with all of the iron they need for the first 5 to six months of life. After the 6th month, iron stores are depleted and approximately 30% of the necessary iron should come from food. As the infant shows accelerated growth and depends on food as a source of iron, he tends to shows a negative iron balance.

Unless they get the amount of iron needed, most children are likely to develop Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA). Children need iron to make hemoglobin. If there is not enough iron available, hemoglobin production is limited and the production of red blood cells is significantly affected. And because red blood cells are needed to carry oxygen throughout the body. IDA results in less oxygen reaching the cells and tissues.

Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) also significantly impairs mental and psychomotor development in infants and children, leading to developmental delays and behavioral disturbances. The most common symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) among children are fatigue and weakness, pale skin and mucous membranes, rapid heartbeat, irritability, decreased appetite and dizziness.

While doctors can determine the specific treatment for IDA, parents on their own can help their children fight sickness. Ensuring Iron rich diet, especially during the crucial period of growth, can help prevent and treat IDA. Good sources of iron include: meat, poultry, fish, green leafy vegetables and whole wheat bread. Parents may also increase their iron intake by giving then an iron supplement. While giving their children iron supplement, parents should enrich their children's daily diet with vitamin C, Lysine and Vitamin B complex.