We have, in Israel, plenty of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat. But despite this, it turns out that our children are suffering from iron deficiency. In fact, iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia in children and adolescents. A condition that can cause delays in development, weakness, fatigue, and decline in brain functions.
When daily consumption of iron does not meet the requirements, the iron reservoirs in the body dwindle. One of the problems is that, in most cases, a lack of iron develops gradually, which is usually not noticeable. Another problem is that sometimes keeping an iron-rich menu is not enough to prevent blemishes.
What is iron?
Iron is an essential component of proteins involved in the transfer of oxygen to tissues. It is also essential for various enzymes and proteins associated with maintaining proper body health and for controlling the growth and differentiation of body cells.
There are two forms of iron in food: Heme iron - which comes from animal foods such as red meat, chicken and fish, and Non-heme iron - that comes from plant foods such as legumes, grains, and green vegetables. Heme iron is better absorbed in the body, but most of the iron in the diet is nonheme type. The absorption of iron depends on the composition of the meal. The presence of vitamin C helps to absorb the non-heme. The presence of natural substances such as tannins (found in tea), calcium, polyphenols, and phytates can reduce non-heme absorption.
How does iron deficiency affect the body?
- Limits oxygen transfer to body cells
- Related to the feeling of exhaustion and weakness
- Is related to immune system damage
- Can cause anemia from iron deficiency
Iron deficiency anemia is an advanced condition of iron deficiency, meaning a condition where iron reservoirs are depleted and iron consumption is insufficient. In anemia condition hemoglobin levels in the blood will be below normal levels.
What are the signs of iron deficiency anemia?
- Feeling tired and weak
- Poor performance at school and work
- Slow cognitive and social development in childhood
- Difficulties in maintaining body heat
- Impaired immune function and increased risk of infection
- Inflammation of the tongue
What are the causes of iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia results from low iron intake from the diet, ie from poor nutrition, poor iron absorption, or high blood loss. The risk groups for iron deficiency anemia are fertility women, pregnant women, premature babies, and infants with low birth weight, toddlers and infants, and adolescents. Iron deficiency at young ages can cause irreversible damage to cognitive development and affect functioning in adulthood.
Poor nutrition is considered the main cause of the iron deficiency. Here is the approximate explanation: In the first year of life, the baby's main food is iron-rich breast milk or milk. Although breast milk is low in iron, it is very high in the body. In the second year of life, children are not usually fed breast milk or transdermal milk, but cow's milk which is considered low in iron, plus cereals that are not enriched in iron. In fact, studies have found that children aged one to three years are in the lowest age group of iron compared to any other age group.
In adolescence, teens suffer from iron deficiency for three reasons: the first is a low-iron diet that includes junk food and various weight loss diets; The second is menstrual blood loss in girls, And the third is a rapid increase in body weight combined with an increase in blood volume and the amount of hemoglobin - which contains iron.
The recommendations for preventing iron deficiency in infants are:
1. Breastfeeding for at least six months and adding a transcript if necessary.
2. Avoid consuming cow's milk until one year old.
3. Give iron supplementation as a preventative treatment.
The recommendations for preventing iron deficiency in children and adolescents are:
1. Avoid consuming low iron junk food.
2. Include in iron-rich foods such as turkey and red meat.
3. Consider giving an iron supplement.
Finally, some tips on how to avoid side effects when taking iron:
