Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia, a condition marked by a low number of healthy red blood cells. In iron deficiency anemia, the blood supply lacks the proper amount of iron, which is necessary to produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.  With a lack of iron, the blood does not contain enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen, and results in fatigue and weakness.

About Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia can occur in children if their diet lacks sufficient iron needed for hemoglobin production. Iron deficiency anemia is seen more often in infants younger than 12 months old who drink cow’s milk, which contains significantly less iron than breast milk.

Iron deficiency anemia is also seen in children under 3. At this age, children experience rapid growth, which makes it difficult for their bodies to get a proper supply of iron. Gastrointestinal problems and bleeding from injury can also contribute to iron deficiency anemia.

A child with iron deficiency anemia may experience weakness, pale skin, and cold hands or feet.

They may also be irritable, dizzy, experience a shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat. Bloody stool may occur. The nails become brittle and the tongue becomes sore.

In rare cases, a child may develop pica, a craving to eat nonfood items like chalk, dirt, or paint chips.

Complications

Iron deficiency anemia in children can lead to:

• Learning difficulties

   

• Decrease in concentration affecting academics

   

• Problems with motor skills

   

• Behavior problems

The doctor may conduct a complete physical and medical examination of the child, checking for symptoms like paleness of skin and irregular heartbeat. Blood tests can check the hemoglobin content in the blood, the number of red blood cells, and the amount of iron present. A complete blood count test will reveal a low level of hemoglobin.

Several blood tests can give specifics regarding iron deficiency anemia. A reticulocyte test measures the number of immature red blood cells. Serum ferritin determines how much iron content is in the body, while serum iron determines how much iron is in the blood. Finally, a hemotocrit test gives the percentage of red blood cells in the blood volume.

Screening Tests

Currently blood tests to check for iron deficiency anemia are performed for children between 9 and 12 months of age or between 15 and 18 months. If anemia is discovered and a child is treated quickly, the red blood cell count will improve dramatically within two months of treatment.

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia involves taking iron supplements like ferrous sulphate. It is recommended that these supplements be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption. In some cases, a child will experience stomach problems. When this happens, they should take the supplements with food.

There is a risk of iron poisoning in children, so supplements should be given to children only after consulting with a doctor. Milk or caffeinated beverages should be avoided just after taking an iron supplement as they reduce the absorption of iron into the body.

Children are encouraged to enhance their diet with foods rich in vitamin C, which helps in absorption of iron into the body. They should also consume iron rich foods like liver, poultry, egg yolk, fish, raisins, beans, peas, and whole grains.

If a child is experiencing constipation due to the iron supplement, the doctor will prescribe a stool softener. After one month, the doctor will conduct blood tests again to check for the hemoglobin and iron levels in the child’s blood. If the levels are improving, the doctor will continue iron supplements for several months. Once therapy has ended, the doctor will check iron levels again after six months.

Children who do not breastfeed in the first year of their life are at risk for iron deficiency anemia. While breastfeeding is always recommended, if it is not an option, children should be fed iron-fortified formula. In children who do breastfeed, their diet should be enriched with iron-fortified cereal or an iron supplement, especially between 4 and 6 months of age. Only one doctor-suggested method of iron supplement is recommended at a time, over-supplementing can result in iron poisoning.

After 12 months, a child should eat food rich in iron, including chicken, fish, meat, whole grains, cereal, beans, dark green vegetables, spinach, citrus fruits, apricots, prunes, raisins, oatmeal, yogurt, and cheese.