Babies aged 6 months to one year – a baby's iron stores run low in the second half of their first year. Iron deficiency can result if their diet doesn't include enough iron-rich solid food.
After 12 months of age, toddlers are at risk for iron deficiency when they no longer drink iron-fortified formula — and, they may not be eating enough iron-containing foods to make up the difference. Iron deficiency can affect growth and may lead to learning and behavioral problems.
Anaemia is a serious global public health problem that particularly affects young children, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and pregnant and postpartum women. WHO estimates that 40% of children 6–59 months of age, 37% of pregnant women, and 30% of women 15–49 years of age worldwide are anaemic.
People lacking enough iron in their blood often feel sluggish, weak, and unable to focus. Though fatigue can be the sign of numerous conditions, if it does not go away with adequate rest, consider having your iron levels checked.
Several signs can signal if your child may have an iron deficiency: Overall lack of energy and fatigue. Pale appearance as hemoglobin levels drop. Nails that appear brittle, tongue that looks redder than normal and/or cracks on the side of the mouth.
Potential causes of iron deficiency include: Heavy menstrual cycles. Pregnancy, whether due to the body making more blood to support the growing baby or blood loss during delivery. Decreased ability to absorb iron, which can be due to certain health conditions (Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, H.
Specifically, iron plays an important role in how your body makes the neurotransmitters called serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine – all of them important in mental health. Research suggests a connection between low iron levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, Levin and Gattari write.
Any abnormalities in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract could alter iron absorption and result in iron-deficiency anemia. Surgery or medications that stop stomach acid production will also decrease iron absorption. Blood loss. Loss of blood can cause a decrease of iron and result in iron-deficiency anemia.
After that age, iron becomes a critical nutrient. The estimated daily iron requirements at the age of 6-12 months (0.9-1.3 mg/kg body weight) are higher than during any other period of life.
Toddlers and children of preschool age have the highest prevalence of anemia at 47.4% of their population group according to the World Health Organization (WHO), largely due to nutritional choices. Children require more iron for growth and development, yet many children receive less than their recommended daily value.
In many cases, mild iron deficiency anemia comes on so gradually that you may not even know you're anemic. Symptoms of mild anemia are subtle and include feeling grumpy, weak or tired more often than usual and getting headaches or perhaps having problems concentrating.
You may also find that low iron causes weight gain. There are a couple of reasons for this; firstly, your energy levels are low and so your exercise levels reduce; secondly, iron is essential for thyroid function, and an underactive thyroid will lead to weight gain.
Undiagnosed or untreated iron-deficiency anemia may cause serious complications such as fatigue, headaches, restless legs syndrome, heart problems, pregnancy complications, and developmental delays in children. Iron-deficiency anemia can also make other chronic conditions worse or cause their treatments to work poorly.
Stress Causing Anaemia
Anxiety, hyperventilation and even panic disorders are the reactions that your body produces against stress. When we are under stress, our body undergoes specific chemical changes which might cause anaemia.
Specifically, iron plays an important role in how your body makes the neurotransmitters called serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine – all of them important in mental health. Research suggests a connection between low iron levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, Levin and Gattari write.
A lack of iron in your body can lead to several problems, including sleep issues. It can disrupt your sleep cycle and lead to problems like periodic limb movement disorder and insomnia. A lot of people tend to overlook the signs of iron deficiency or anemia, but it is vital to keep its level in check.
Eye symptoms of low iron can include a pale coloring of the inside of the lower eyelids. In moderate or severe cases of iron deficiency anemia, the inside layer of the lower eyelid is very pale pink or yellow instead of red. Rather than low iron, one common cause of blurry vision is dry eye.
Iron deficiency can't be corrected overnight. You may need to take iron supplements for several months or longer to replenish your iron reserves. Generally, you'll start to feel better after a week or so of treatment. Ask your doctor when to have your blood rechecked to measure your iron levels.
A diet that does not have enough iron is the most common cause of this type of anemia in children. When a child is growing rapidly, such as during puberty, even more iron is needed. Toddlers who drink too much cow's milk may also become anemic because too much cow's milk makes it difficult for the body to absorb iron.
Children can appear unmotivated, apathetic and less physically fit. Anemic children have difficulty with tests and are more disruptive than their classmates. A child with nutrient deficiencies may be irritable, aggressive, disagreeable, or sad and withdrawn.
Iron deficiency in children is a common problem. It can occur at many levels, from a mild deficiency all the way to iron deficiency anemia — a condition in which blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. Untreated iron deficiency can affect a child's growth and development.
It causes fatigue and shortness of breath. The connection between low iron, body weight, and hemoglobin is apparent when low energy makes exercising and burning calories difficult, causing weight gain. Conversely, iron deficiency anemia may contribute to decreased appetite, resulting in weight loss.