Iron Deficiency in Kids

Iron is an important constituent of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and the enzymes which contain iron. The iron deficiency in kids up to one year of age is very dangerous. Iron deficiency at this age can impair the development of the brain. Therefore treatment of iron deficiency at this age is of extreme importance.  An expecting mother should also be aware of the importance of iron and calcium during the pregnancy and should take an external dosage of these elements if the food is not fulfilling the need of the fetus. Because, if a mother gives birth to a baby with a deficiency of iron, then it would be very difficult to overcome the effects of iron deficiency.  

Effects of iron deficiency in kids.

 In general, iron deficiency can cause 

• chronic fatigue,
• lack of concentration,
• irritability,
• nervousness, 
• headache,
• loss of appetite,
• susceptibility to stress and infection, 
• paleness, cracks at the corners of the mouth (rhagades), 
• dry skin, 
• brittle hair and nails 
• as well as the loss of interest in play in children of all ages. 

Iron deficiency affects the production and size of red blood cells (RBCs). therefore, decreased amount of hemoglobin and RBCs in the bloodstream is called Anemia. The RBCs carry oxygen throughout the body. So the lack of RBCs resulted in a lack of oxygen in the cells and tissues. Therefore, it needs proper treatment and therapy for the restoration of red blood cells.

The amount of iron that kids need:

Although most babies are born with the iron stored in their bodies yet they still need a sufficient amount of iron for their growth and development. Here is a general guideline for the kids "approximate iron need/day":

• 7-12 months need- 11 milligrams
• 1-3 years need------ 7 milligrams
• 4-8 years need----- 10 milligrams
• 9-13 years need----- 8 milligrams
• 14-18 years boys--- 11 milligrams 
• 14-18 years girls---- 15 milligrams