Bledidoc Advice

Iron plays many roles of significant importance related to children’s growth and development. It is essential that their diet includes enough iron to meet their needs and thus, avoid deficiency. Indeed, iron-deficiency is the most prevalent in the world. It appears gradually and can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. 

What are the signs of iron deficiency?

1. His weight gain is insufficient in relation to to his normal size
2. He has a pale complexion
3. He has no appetite
4. He gets tired quickly especially when he walks
5. He is slow in learning how to talk and does not seem interested in his surroundings
6. He is sad, grumpy and unhappy
7. He has repeated infections: otitis and tonsillitis, pulmonary and cutaneous infections
8. He has difficulty attending school
9. He gets cold for no reason

Consequences of iron deficiency

If your child is not treated at this stage, iron deficiency anemia, we can conclude that the deficiency will settle and lead to the following consequences:

1. Cutaneomucous disorders such as glossitis (cutaneous tongue and pearlescent lesion (inflammation of the lips) and nail disorders
2. Gastrointestinal tract disorders, such as malabsorption leading to a delayed height and weight gain

A severe deficiency can slow the child's intellectual development and weaken his immune system. It can also slow down his growth and affect his physical and intellectual development.

For older children, a deficiency can hinder and affect school learning, especially since iron is essential for proper brain functioning. Also the lack of iron allows children to feel tired and have difficulty concentrating.

Some of the damage caused by iron deficiency can last until adolescence, and even until adulthood.

Therefore, it is important to prevent these consequences by providing your child with iron-rich food and a growing milk rich in iron and vitamin C.

Dr Elie CHOUEIRY, Pediatrician, Intensive Care Specialist PICU HDF

Dr Nouhad Jouaid , Pediatric Resident

^{ESPGHAN COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION. « Iron Requirements of Infants and Toddlers », Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, vol. 58, no 1, 2014, p. 119–129.}

^{Carence en fer chez l'enfant, Philippe Reinert Pédiatre, Créteil, France, 23 FÉVRIER 2014}

^{ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES. Nutrition Guideline. Healthy Infants and Young Children: Iron, 2016. ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES. Nutrition Guideline. Healthy Infants and Young Children: Iron, 2016.}