These signs warn children with severe iron deficiency, parents should not be overlooked

The group of young children prone to iron deficiency

- Premature babies (born 3 weeks or older), low birth weight babies. Babies are born with enough iron reserves for a long time, which can last up to 6 months. However, for babies who are older or lighter, iron reserves can only last for 2 months, making them more vulnerable to iron deficiency.

- Babies who are 180 days old and not yet eating food. Children over 6 months of age require a larger source of nutrients to support the development of the body. Therefore, exclusive breastfeeding after 6 months is not appropriate. Babies need to be taught weaning to get extra nutrition from other foods.

- Children only drink cow's milk: Cow's milk is low in iron and can also interfere with the absorption of iron from other food sources.

Signs of iron deficiency in young children

In many cases, iron deficiency is not clear, difficult to recognize. Children with iron deficiency anemia are usually pale (most clearly in the palms of the feet, ears, mucous membranes of the pharynx, pale conjunctival eyes). Children are often slow, tired, distracted, or sleepy, play less.

Cases of severe anemia can lead to the following symptoms: dizziness, difficulty breathing, weight loss, digestive disorders . Iron deficiency in children also causes a behavioral disorder called is "pica", in which the child eats exotic substances, such as dirt.

Iron deficiency in children causes dangerous complications

Children slow to gain weight

70% of the body's iron uptake combines with the protein to make hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to the organization of red blood cells.

When iron deficiency, anemia, the body will weaken. In addition, iron deficiency also weakens the immune system, making children vulnerable to illness.

Children under 1 year of age who still breastfeed well without gaining weight, parents should think about the case of anemia and seek medical attention.

Decreased function, muscle efficiency

In the absence of iron, the strength and elasticity of the muscles decrease markedly, leading to a reduction in the recovery of muscle contraction, causing muscle fatigue. Children lacking iron, anemia will easily be tired, weak, motor retarded.

Impaired cognitive function

Iron deficiency will indirectly affect the transport of oxygen to the brain.

In addition, iron participates in the formation of new neurons, as well as participates in the transmission of nerve xynapes.

Children who are iron-deficient are at risk of mental retardation, impaired learning ability when growing up.

Affect psychological and mental state

Children with iron deficiency easily fall into a state of mental insecurity, fatigue, irritability.

Increased risk of poisoning

Iron deficiency will increase the absorption of lead in the intestinal tract. Therefore, the risk of lead poisoning in iron deficiency is higher than ordinary people. Lead poisoning leads to difficult nerve damage to recover.