Iron supports muscle function, energy production, and brain function, and is especially needed for children’s growth. Low iron prevents hemoglobin production, reducing healthy red blood cells and causing iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency can also impair concentration and cause fatigue even without anemia. Major causes include poor absorption, insufficient dietary intake, or blood loss. Infants, especially premature babies or multiples, and menstruating teenage girls are higher risk groups. Babies receive iron from the mother, breast milk, or fortified formula, and older infants and children need iron-rich foods. Iron deficiency and anemia are highly treatable, often resolving with appropriate supplementation.
Iron is an essential mineral that helps our muscles work, gives us energy, and powers brain function. It's important at any age, but especially for children, who need iron to grow. When a person doesn't have enough iron in their blood, the body can't make hemoglobin, which is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. This leads to fewer healthy red blood cells, and the condition called iron deficiency anemia.
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. However, even in the absence of anemia, iron deficiency can affect concentration and lead to fatigue. While any kind of new diagnosis can feel scary, this condition is highly treatable, and anemia can typically be resolved with proper supplementation. Here is what parents should know about iron deficiency anemia. Who is most at risk for iron deficiency anemia?
Babies get iron from the mother in the last trimester of pregnancy. Babies who are at risk for not getting enough iron are typically premature babies or multiples (twins, triplets, etc.) who have to share the amount of iron given by mom. Babies will get iron from their mom if they're breastfed, or through fortified formula. Once babies start to eat, they need to be given a diet rich in iron.
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