Kids Health: Why Iron Deficiency Happens in Children? Know Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Kids Health: Iron deficiency anaemia in children is a prevalent problem that can appear as early as two months after birth, usually due to a natural depletion of iron reserves. This is especially true for premature infants, whose haemoglobin levels may fall sooner. A timely medical evaluation is essential, and iron supplementation should begin as prescribed by a paediatrician.  Inadequate dietary practices during the weaning stage, such as prolonged exclusive milk feeding without introducing iron-rich solid meals, can exacerbate the risk. To encourage healthy brain development during early childhood, nutritional foods such as green vegetables, dates, jaggery, and ragi should be included in a child's diet beginning at the age of six months.

Iron Deficiency Causes in Children

Iron deficiency can also impact older children as a result of bad dietary choices, such as eating processed meals like pizza and pasta that are low in nutrients. In addition, children should be dewormed every six months because parasite infections might impair iron absorption. If a kid continues to exhibit symptoms of anaemia, such as exhaustion, lethargy, lightheadedness, pica (craving for non-food objects such as chalk or soil), headaches, or chest pain, despite a well-balanced diet, medical attention is required to rule out malabsorption. Early detection and treatment are critical to keeping a child’s cognitive and physical development on track.