Iron Deficiency in Children Raises Heart Failure Risk

Iron deficiency anemia is cited as the most common cause of anemia in children. Since organs such as muscle, heart, bone and brain require high amounts of iron to function, parents should be careful about iron deficiency during the 0-2 year infancy period with rapid growth and the 14-16 year adolescent period. In children with iron deficiency, common symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, hair loss, weakness, excessive yawning and excessive sleeping, or sometimes conversely irritability and restlessness. Iron deficiency that is not treated promptly can lead to heart failure and mental retardation. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müge Gökçe from the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital's Bone Marrow Transplant Center shared important information about iron deficiency anemia in children.

Pay Attention to Iron Deficiency Especially During Adolescence!

Iron is an important element that plays a role in the functioning of many organs. In Turkey, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia varies from region to region depending on socio-economic level, nutrition and lifestyle, but averages around 25-30%. Iron is very important for a child to grow and develop healthily from infancy. If the mother does not have iron deficiency, deficiency may not appear in the first 6 months in infants fed with breast milk. The reason why iron deficiency is less common in infants fed with formula is that formulas are rich in iron. However, from the 4th to 6th month, iron requirements increase with both the transition to supplementary foods and rapid growth. Additionally, during adolescence, rapid height growth and puberty increase the need for iron. The onset of menstrual bleeding in girls accelerates iron deficiency anemia. Therefore, care must be taken during this period. Attention should be paid to an iron-rich diet and supplements should be used if necessary.

Vegetables Should Not Be Reheated Repeatedly to Preserve Iron Content

From the 6th month onwards, the baby should be introduced to iron-rich foods such as red meat, green vegetables, eggs and grape molasses. Red meat can be added to the baby's soups as minced meat, or it can be boiled and ground with a blender and added to the soup. It is recommended to serve it 3-4 times a week. At breakfast, 1 teaspoon of molasses made from seeded red grapes can be consumed, which is rich in iron. Carob and mulberry molasses contain no iron. Egg yolk is very rich in iron and when given especially at breakfast together with fruits containing vitamin C such as oranges, it will increase iron absorption. Iron is present in small amounts in green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. However, overcooking the food or reheating it repeatedly before consumption will reduce its iron content and nutritional value.

Causes Heart Failure and Mental Retardation in Children

Despite all balanced nutrition routines, iron deficiency anemia can develop in a child. In this case, iron-containing drops, syrups or capsules appropriate for the child's age and weight can be preferred. If iron deficiency is not detected and treated promptly, it can lead to heart failure and mental retardation.

Watch for These Symptoms

The symptoms that may be seen in a child with iron deficiency are listed as follows:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Hair loss
• Weakness
• Excessive yawning
• Excessive sleeping/drowsiness
• Irritability, restlessness
• Drop in school performance in school-age children
• Inattention
• Babies beginning to crawl no longer crawling
• Sleeping longer than normal, such symptoms can be an indication of iron deficiency.