Iron deficiency in the child

What is iron deficiency in children?

Iron is an important trace element in the body. It plays an important role in the formation of the red blood pigment (hemoglobin) and thus in the oxygen supply of the body. An iron deficiency is when the iron level and storage iron in the blood are lowered. An iron deficiency can be caused by bleeding, malnutrition or disorders of iron utilization.

Read more on the subject at: Iron deficiency

causes

In principle, there are three different causes for an iron deficiency. These are:

• insufficient iron absorption

• Iron loss

• Iron utilization disorders

The inadequate iron intake can be the result of incorrect or malnutrition. A vegetarian or vegan diet should be mentioned here, for example. An increased iron requirement of the body can also be a cause. Especially during growth phases or when competitive sports are practiced, the child's iron requirement is greatly increased and insufficient intake can lead to iron deficiency. Even with chronic inflammatory bowel disease or food intolerance, iron absorption in the intestine may be impaired.

Iron loss is another cause of iron deficiency. Bleeding should be mentioned here in particular. In children this is often nosebleeds. Iron deficiency can also be present in girls with heavy menstrual periods. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract can be another cause of bleeding and thus iron deficiency. However, this is rare in children.

The last cause, which is very rare in children, is iron utilization disorders. These can occur with chronic diseases or tumor diseases.

What are the consequences of iron deficiency in children?

The iron deficiency leads to a reduced formation of the red blood pigment hemoglobin in children. Since this is part of the red blood cells, the result is a reduced number of red blood cells. The red blood cells formed are also smaller than normal due to the iron deficiency. This is called iron deficiency anemia (anemia). The red blood cells are responsible for the transport of oxygen in the blood and consequently there is an undersupply of oxygen.

Especially in children who are in a growth phase, long-term iron deficiency can lead to damage and delays in mental and physical development.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of iron deficiency is easily made by taking a blood sample. Serum iron and storage iron are determined in the blood. The blood count is also checked for anemia. The classic finding here would be a reduced number of red blood cells with small cells (microcytic anemia).

In order to better isolate the cause of the iron deficiency, a number of other parameters can be determined from the blood. The diagnosis can be supplemented by a blood or bone marrow smear.

These are the symptoms I can tell if the child is iron deficient

The symptoms of iron deficiency are mostly caused by iron deficiency anemia. These include:

• rapid fatigue or lower resilience

• paleness

• Difficulty breathing during exercise

• fast heartbeat (Tachycardia)

• a headache

• dizziness

Other signs of iron deficiency are:

• cracked corners of the mouth (angular rhinitis)

• dry, brittle nails

• Hair loss

• Aphthae of the oral mucosa

Long-term iron deficiency can lead to delays and disorders of physical and mental development in children.

treatment

In addition to looking for the cause, the basis of treatment should always be a change in diet. The diet should be balanced and contain many foods that contain iron. In addition to red meat, these are e.g. also wheat bran, soybeans, lentils, whole grain bread or pumpkin seeds.

Read more on the subject at: Foods with iron

If this is not enough, iron substitution therapy can be started by the pediatrician. Iron can be given in the form of drops or tablets.In very severe cases, iron can also be given intravenously. In order to completely replenish the iron stores, substitution therapy should be carried out for at least three to six months. The pediatrician should check the iron levels regularly.

Read more on the subject at: This is how you fix an iron deficiency

forecast

Iron deficiency, which is caused by insufficient intake or increased consumption, usually has a good prognosis. A change in diet or iron substitution can replenish the iron stores and the symptoms disappear again. Timely therapy can also prevent development or growth disorders.

In the case of other causes such as food allergies or chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, adequate therapy can also correct or improve the iron utilization disorder, and the prognosis is therefore good.

Course of disease

Iron deficiency in children is more likely to be noticed at the beginning by signs that could also be dismissed as “low performance”. These include paleness, tiredness and susceptibility to infections. If the iron deficiency lasts longer, classic symptoms such as dry skin and torn corners of the mouth, brittle fingernails, headaches, learning and concentration disorders and palpitations occur. If the iron deficiency is not treated in good time, growth and development disorders can occur, especially in children.

Therapy with iron supplements must be carried out for several months up to a year to ensure that the iron stores are replenished.