Kids Health: Iron Deficiency in Children, Know Early Signs and Symptoms, Prevention and More

Kids Health: Iron deficiency anaemia is a common ailment in children, especially in infancy and during periods of growth.  At roughly two months of age, a reduction in haemoglobin levels is considered normal due to low iron stores at delivery, particularly in full-term newborns.  Preterm newborns may see a drop as early as 1-1.5 months.  In such circumstances, it is critical to visit a paediatrician and start iron supplementation as prescribed.  After six months of age, when a child's diet begins to shift, relying solely on milk—whether breast milk, cow milk, or buffalo milk—without the timely introduction of iron-rich foods can result in iron insufficiency. Since the brain develops rapidly in the first five years, maintaining a balanced and iron-rich diet is essential for cognitive and physical development.

Iron Deficiency in Kids

Iron deficiency in older children can be caused by bad dietary choices, such as eating too much fast food like pizza and pasta, which lack important nutrients. Traditional Indian diets, high in green leafy vegetables, dates, jaggery, and millets such as ragi (nachni), should be promoted.  Deworming every six months is also crucial since intestinal parasites can cause anaemia. If a kid continues to show signs of iron deficiency despite dietary changes, a medical evaluation is required to rule out potential reasons such as internal bleeding or malabsorption. Symptoms may include fatigue, paleness, dizziness, poor focus, or cravings for non-food objects such as chalk or dirt (known as pica). Prompt medical intervention ensures the child’s continued development and general health.