Iron is essential in the growth and development of a child.  It helps in the removal of oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It also helps muscles store and use oxygen. Children who lack iron in their diet may later develop a condition known as iron deficiency which can lead to anemia. When left untreated , iron deficiency can affect a child’s growth and development.

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia is typically diagnosed through blood test. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that all infants be tested be tested for iron deficiency anemia  starting between 9 to 12 months of age. Those  who have a high risk for this condition are tested again later. Your child’s doctor may  recommend an oral iron supplement or a daily multivitamin or further testing

Who is at risk

Infants and children are at the highest risk of iron deficiency. These include :

• premature babies
• babies who drink cow milk or goat milk before the age of 1
• babies who drink formula that is not fortified with iron
• breastfed babies who are not given supplementary   foods containing    iron after 6 months
• children ages 1 to 5 who drink more than 24 ounces of cow’s milk, goat’s milk or soy milk a day
• children with certain chronic condition such as chronic infections or restricted diet
• children ages 1 to 5 who have been exposed to lead

Adolescent children are also at high risk of this condition because their body lose iron during menstruation.

What are the signs of iron deficiency in children

Signs of this condition usually dont appear until iron deficiency anemia occurs. These include the following :

• pale skin
• slow growth and development
• fatigue
• poor appetite
• behavioral problems
• frequent infections
• abnormal heart beat
• cravings for non- nutritive such as ice, dirt , start or paint

How to prevent iron deficiency in children

If your baby is being fed iron fortified cereal, she is likely getting the recommended amount of iron. If you’re breast-feeding your baby, you need to follow these recommendations.

• full term babies : You have to start giving your full term babies iron supplement at age 4  months. Continue until she is eating 2 or more servings of iron rich foods such as fortified cereal or pureed meat. If you breastfeed and bottle feed your baby and the majority of your baby food is formula, you need to stop giving your baby iron supplement
• Premature babies :  Start giving your premature infant iron supplement at age 2 weeks and continue to give it till age 1.If you breastfeed and bottle feed your baby and the majority of your baby food is formula, you need to stop giving your baby iron supplement.

You can also prevent this condition by :

• serving iron rich foods : When you start feeding your baby around ages 4 to 6 months, give them iron rich foods such as pureed meat, fortified baby  cereal and pureed beans. For older children , good sources of iron include red meat, chicken ,egg, fish, beans and dark green leafy vegetables
• limit milk consumption : Dont allow your child  to drink more than 24 ounces (710 milliliters) of milk a day between the ages of 1 and 5
• enhancing absorption : Vitamin C enhance the absorption of dietary iron. Give your child vitamin C  rich foods such as citrus fruits, cantaloupe, strawberries, bell pepper, tomatoes and dark green vegetables