Iron deficiency in children
The problem of iron deficiency in children is very large due to various reasons, such as: insufficient iron intake in the diet, iron malabsorption due to certain intestinal diseases and others. Iron is one of the most important elements necessary for the growth and development of the child, in addition to its role in helping the body to perform its various biological functions, and the production of red blood cells that transport oxygen to various parts of the body.
Quantity of iron required by age of child
- Infants in the fourth month of age: It is recommended to give them oral iron by 1 mg per kg of their weight, to enter foods rich in iron, such as: meals iron-fortified grains.
- (6-12 months): The child’s body requires 11 mg of iron per day, with the mother’s obligation to give him complementary foods such as red meat and vegetables.
- (1-3 years): The baby’s body needs about 7 mg of iron a day, which is recommended to take iron-rich foods.
Iron sources
- Red meat, chicken, liver, and fish.
- Cereals and legumes, such as: lentils, beans, chickpeas.
- Milk, and eggs.
- Fruits of various kinds, such as: apples, pears, dates.
- Green leafy vegetables, such as: watercress, spinach, lettuce.
Causes of iron deficiency
- The loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract is slow and for a long period of time. Many studies have shown that eating milk for cows causes the loss of small intestine in small amounts of blood, which the mother may not be able to observe but eventually lead to severe iron deficiency.
- Increase the needs of the body to iron in the development of the child; It has been shown that children with iron deficiency are facing problems, such as: the delay in the development of intellectual and social, and notes their weight is disproportionate to their age.
- Some children eat dirt, which leads to severe anemia.
- Infection of the child with spleen.
Symptoms of iron deficiency in children
- Causes general weakness in the body.
- Notes fatigue and fatigue permanently.
- The child is always screaming.
- Pain occurs in the head, dizziness, dizziness, difficulty in the breathing process.
- The skin becomes pale and yellowish.
- The child loses appetite to eat.
- The child feels pain in the chest area.
- The child loses the ability to concentrate.
- Limit the ability of the body to maintain its temperature, and note the coolness of the limbs.
- Inflammation occurs in the tongue.
- Slows down the growth process, and notes the child’s delay in walking and speaking.
- Reduces the ability of the immune system to resist disease.
Protecting children from iron deficiency
- The child should be given iron-fortified supplements aged 18-24 months.
- It is recommended to give the child integrated health food.
Treatment of iron deficiency
- Focus on eating foods rich in iron.
- Use iron supplements, such as iron tablets and capsules, which are recommended before eating.
- Go to the doctor for the necessary tests; to determine the underlying cause of iron deficiency.
- Increase the intake of foods rich in vitamin C, which facilitate the absorption of iron, such as: orange, lemon juice.
- Take a cure to solve anorexia problem to eat.