Iron for children: prevent deficiency

Iron for children: prevent deficiency

I. The role of iron in the development of the child

Iron is the most important trace element that plays a critical role in the physical and cognitive development of the child. Its functions are multifaceted and vital to maintain health and ensure the normal functioning of the body.

A. Oxygen transport and the formation of hemoglobin:

The main function of iron is the participation of hemoglobin, protein contained in red blood cells (red blood cells). Hemoglobin is responsible for the transfer of oxygen from lungs to all tissues and organs of the body, providing them with energy and vitality. Iron deficiency leads to a decrease in the level of hemoglobin, which entails oxygen starvation of tissues, manifested by fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and slow growth.

B. Mioglobin and muscle activity:

Iron is part of myoglobin, protein contained in the muscles. Mioglobin binds oxygen, ensuring its availability for muscle cells necessary for their normal work and reduction. A sufficient level of iron maintains muscle strength and endurance, which is especially important for actively growing children involved in sports and physical exercises.

C. brain development and cognitive functions:

Iron plays a key role in the development of the brain, especially in early childhood. It is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve impulses between brain cells. Iron deficiency can negatively affect cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, learning and concentration. Studies show that children with iron deficiency may experience difficulties at school, have problems with behavior and demonstrate a delay in speech development.

D. Immune function:

Iron is necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system. It is involved in the formation and activity of immune cells, such as lymphocytes and neutrophils that protect the body from infections and diseases. Iron deficiency weakens the immune system, making the child more susceptible to infectious diseases, increasing their duration and severity.

E. Growth and development:

Iron is involved in the processes of growth and development of the body. It is necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the genetic material of cells, as well as for the formation of collagen, protein, which forms the basis of connective tissue, skin, bones and cartilage. Iron deficiency can lead to a slowdown in growth, a deterioration in appetite and a violation of the development of bone tissue.

F. Enzyme systems:

Iron is an important component of many enzymes involved in various metabolic processes, including energy metabolism, hormone synthesis and detoxification. Iron deficiency can disrupt the work of these enzymes, leading to malfunctions in metabolism and a general deterioration in health status.

II. Causes of iron deficiency in children

Iron deficiency is a common problem among children, especially at an early age and adolescence. There are several factors contributing to the development of iron deficiency.

A. insufficient flow of iron with food:

This is the most common cause of iron deficiency. Babies on artificial feeding may not receive enough iron if the mixture is not enriched with this trace element. Older children and adolescents who adhere to an unbalanced diet, rich in processed products and poor products rich in iron, are also at risk of deficit. Vegetarian and vegan diets, if not carefully planned, can also lead to iron deficiency, since iron from plant sources is absorbed worse than iron from animal sources.

B. increased gland needs:

During periods of intensive growth and development, the need for gland increases significantly. Infants, young children and adolescents need more iron to maintain normal growth and development than adults. Premature children, children with low birth weight and children who are rapidly growing, are especially at risk of developing iron deficiency.

C. Violation of iron absorption:

Some diseases and conditions can violate the absorption of iron in the intestines. These include celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory intestinal diseases. Taking some drugs such as antacids may also worsen iron absorption. Infections, especially parasitic ones, can also lead to iron loss and violation of its absorption.

D. blood loss:

Blood loss, even insignificant, can lead to iron deficiency. In children suffering from frequent nasal bleeding, abundant menstruation (in teenage girls) or parasitic infections such as anquilostomosis, iron deficiency may develop. Chronic diseases, accompanied by bleeding, such as peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, can also cause iron deficiency.

E. Early introduction of cow’s milk:

Early introduction of cow’s milk (up to 1 year) may prevent the absorption of iron from other foods. Cow milk contains little iron and can irritate the intestinal mucosa, causing small bleeding and iron loss. In addition, cow’s milk can reduce the absorption of iron from breast milk or iron -containing mixtures.

F. The insufficient use of vitamin C:

Vitamin C plays an important role in the assimilation of iron from plant sources. The insufficient use of products rich in vitamin C, such as fruits and vegetables, can reduce the absorption of iron from plant foods, especially among vegetarians and vegan.

III. Symptoms and signs of iron deficiency in children

Symptoms of iron deficiency in children can be varied and often nonspecific, which complicates early diagnosis. It is important to pay attention to the following features, especially in children from the risk group.

A. General symptoms:

• Fatigue and weakness: The child quickly gets tired, complains about the lack of energy, becomes sluggish and apathetic.
• Pallor of the skin and mucous membranes: The skin and mucous membranes (for example, the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, the conjunctiva of the eyes) become pale, especially noticeable on the inner surface of the lower eyelid.
• Shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat: The child experiences shortness of breath during physical exertion, the heartbeat quickens.
• Headaches and dizziness: The child complains of headaches, dizziness, especially with sudden movements.
• Irritability and moodiness: The child becomes irritable, capricious, tearful, sleeps poorly.
• Reduced appetite: The child loses its appetite, refuses to eat, poorly gains weight.
• Slow down growth and development: The growth of the child slows down, he lags behind peers in physical and mental development.

B. Specific symptoms:

• Food preferences (Picacism): The child feels a desire to eat inedible things, such as clay, chalk, paper, ice.
• Restless legs syndrome: The child experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs, especially at night, which makes him constantly move them.
• Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue): The tongue becomes smooth, red and painful.
• Angular stomatitis (seizures): Cracks and sores appear in the corners of the mouth.
• Fitty nails and hair: The nails become brittle, deformed, the hair falls out and split.
• Increase in the liver and spleen: In severe cases, an increase in the liver and spleen may be observed.
• Reduced immunity: The child often suffers from infectious diseases.
• Violation of cognitive functions: Reducing memory, attention, learning, concentration.

IV. Diagnosis of iron deficiency in children

Diagnosis of iron deficiency includes clinical inspection, history of anamnesis and laboratory studies.

A. Anamnesis and Physical examination:

The doctor collects information about the nutrition of a child, diseases, heredity and other factors that may affect the level of iron in the body. During a physical examination, the doctor evaluates the general condition of the child, the color of the skin and mucous membranes, the condition of the nails and hair, the presence of signs of an increase in the liver and spleen.

B. Laboratory research:

• General blood test (UAC): UAC is the main method of diagnosing iron deficiency. It allows you to evaluate the level of hemoglobin, the amount of red blood cells, the average volume of red blood cells (MCV), the average hemoglobin content in red blood cells (MCH) and the average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells (Mchc). With iron deficiency, the level of hemoglobin and the amount of red blood cells are reduced, MCV, MCH and MCHC are also reduced.
• Determination of the level of serum iron: The level of serum iron reflects the amount of iron circulating in the blood. With iron deficiency, the level of serum iron decreases.
• Determination of the general iron -binding ability (OHSSS): OZHSS reflects the amount of transferrin, protein, carrying iron in the blood. With a deficiency of iron OZHSS, it increases.
• Determining the level of ferritin: Ferritin is the main depot of iron in the body. Determining the level of ferritin is the most sensitive method of diagnosing iron deficiency, especially in the early stages. With iron deficiency, the level of ferritin is reduced.
• Determining the level of transferine receptors: The level of transferine receptors increases with iron deficiency, as cells try to capture more iron from the blood.
• Study of feces for hidden blood: In case of suspicion of blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract, a fecal examination for hidden blood is carried out.

C. Additional research:

In some cases, additional studies may be required to identify the cause of iron deficiency, such as an endoscopic examination of the stomach and intestines, a bone marrow biopsy.

V. Treatment of iron deficiency in children

Treatment of iron deficiency is aimed at restoring the normal level of iron in the body and eliminating the symptoms of deficiency. Treatment includes diet therapy and taking iron drugs.

A. Diet therapy:

The diet of the child should be balanced and contain a sufficient amount of products rich in iron.

• Ground products:

  • Hemic iron (better absorbed): Red meat (beef, veal, lamb), liver, poultry (especially turkey), fish (especially tuna, salmon, sardines).
  • Neghemian iron (worse absorbed): Legumes (beans, lentils, peas), spinach, broccoli, tofu, iron enriched with iron, dried fruits (kuraga, raisins).

• Improving the assimilation of iron:

  • Vitamin C: The use of products rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, pepper, tomatoes, broccoli), simultaneously with products containing iron, improves its absorption.
  • Exclusion of inhibitors: The use of products that can worsen the absorption of iron, such as tea, coffee, milk and foods containing calcium, simultaneously with products containing iron, should be avoided.

B. iron drugs:

With a pronounced iron deficiency, iron preparations are prescribed in the form of syrups, drops or tablets.

• Dosage: The dosage of iron preparations is selected individually by a doctor, based on the age, weight and degree of iron deficiency.
• Duration of treatment: The duration of treatment with iron preparations is usually several months, until the normal level of hemoglobin and ferritin is restored.
• Side effects: When taking iron preparations, side effects can occur, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, a change in the color of the chair. To reduce side effects, it is recommended to take iron drugs during meals or immediately after eating.
• Output form: It is preferable for children to use iron preparations in the form of syrups or drops, since they are easier to dose and give.
• Important: The child should not independently prescribe iron preparations independently, as this can lead to an overdose and undesirable consequences. It is necessary to consult a doctor.

C. Elimination of the cause of iron deficiency:

It is important to identify and eliminate the cause of iron deficiency. If iron deficiency is caused by the disease, it is necessary to carry out appropriate treatment.

VI. Prevention of iron deficiency in children

Prevention of iron deficiency begins with birth and includes proper nutrition and regular control of the level of iron in the blood.

A. Prevention of iron deficiency in infants:

• Breast-feeding: Breast milk is the best power source for infants, but it contains relatively little iron. Babs on breastfeeding, it is recommended to start introducing complementary foods rich in iron from 6 months.
• Railway Compression Mix: Infants on artificial feeding are recommended to give iron -containing mixtures.
• Feed: The complementary foods should be diverse and contain products rich in iron, such as meat, vegetables, fruits and gold enriched with iron.
• Avoid early introduction of cow’s milk: It is not recommended to introduce cow’s milk up to 1 year, as it can prevent the absorption of iron.
• Vitamin C: Add products rich in vitamin C to the child’s diet to improve iron absorption.

B. Prevention of iron deficiency in older children and adolescents:

• Balanced nutrition: The diet of the child should be balanced and contain a sufficient amount of products rich in iron.
• Limiting the use of tea and coffee: Tea and coffee can worsen the absorption of iron, so they should be consumed in moderate quantities and not simultaneously with food.
• Regular control of iron level: It is recommended to regularly check the level of iron in the blood, especially in children from the risk group.
• Disease treatment: Timely treatment of diseases that can lead to blood loss, such as nasal bleeding and parasitic infections.
• Consultation with a doctor: If iron deficiency is suspected, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

VII. Special risk groups

Some groups of children are more at risk of developing iron deficiency and need special attention and preventive measures.

A. Ned -hearted children and children with a low weight at birth:

Premature children and children with low birth weight have smaller iron reserves and higher needs for rapid growth and development. They are recommended to start taking iron drugs from the first weeks of life under the supervision of a doctor.

B. Children who are breastfeeding exclusively up to 6 months:

Breast milk contains relatively little iron, so it is recommended to start introducing complementary foods rich in iron from 6 months on breast breastfeeding exclusively to 6 months.

C. Children who use a large amount of cow’s milk:

The use of a large amount of cow’s milk (more than 500 ml per day) can prevent iron absorption. It is recommended to limit the consumption of cow’s milk and include in the diet products rich in iron.

D. Children with chronic diseases:

Children with chronic diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory intestinal diseases, are at risk of impaired iron absorption and deficiency development. They need to regularly control the level of iron in the blood and observe a diet rich in iron.

E. Children-Vegetarians and Vegans:

Iron from plant sources is absorbed worse than iron from animal sources. Vegetarian children and vegans need careful planning for the diet and the use of foods rich in iron and vitamin C. In some cases, iron preparations may be required.

F. Children with frequent infectious diseases:

Frequent infectious diseases can lead to an increased need for gland and a violation of its absorption. It is recommended to strengthen the child’s immunity and treat infectious diseases in a timely manner.

G. Girls-teenage girls with abundant menstruation:

Abundant menstruation can lead to a significant loss of iron and the development of deficiency. It is recommended to regularly control the level of iron in the blood and observe a diet rich in iron. In some cases, iron preparations may be required.

VIII. The importance of consulting a doctor

If signs of iron deficiency appear in a child, you must consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Self -medication can be dangerous and lead to undesirable consequences. The doctor will conduct the necessary studies, establish the cause of iron deficiency and prescribe appropriate treatment. It is important to remember that the prevention of iron deficiency is the key to the health and full development of the child.