The critical role of Iron in childhood development: What parents need to know

IRON DEFICIENCY

Iron is an essential mineral required for the healthy function of our body. It is needed to build the Hemoglobin molecule in the red blood cells, which is important for oxygen delivery throughout the body.

But it’s much more than that: It is also essential for the normal function of many systems in our body, and it is critical for the well-being and normal growth and development of a child. Iron deficiency in childhood is linked to growth and developmental delays, lower achievement in academic and IQ testing, and behavioral and psychological disorders (e.g. ADHD, lower self-esteem, Restless leg syndrome). Iron deficiency affects the immune system activity, which may increase the risk of infections. It may lead to Intestinal inflammation that may worsen malnutrition.

Iron deficiency Anemia is a well-known consequence of Iron deficiency but it occurs at a very late stage, when Iron deficiency becomes profound. Most children who suffer from iron deficiency, about 60 – 70% of them, will not show Anemia (Low Hemoglobin) on their blood test.

WHAT CAUSES IRON DEFICIENCY

Low intake of Iron:

The most common cause is low consumption of Iron in the child’s diet. Low intake of meat (especially red meat) eggs, lentils, beans or green leafy vegetables, special restrictive diets such as Vegetarian or Vegan diet, or a child who is very picky and will eat limited variety of foods. Babies, children and teenagers require higher amounts of iron due to their fast growth and may not consume enough iron to satisfy the increased demand.

High intake of cow’s milk:

Milk and dairy products are an excellent source of calcium. But children, especially after one year old, do not need much milk in their diet. The recommended amount of 2 servings of dairy products (e.g. Milk, cheese, and yogurt) up to 500ml a day are sufficient. Consumption of too much milk reduces the absorption of iron and will lead to Iron deficiency and Anemia.

Iron loss or blood loss:

Other less common conditions may lead to iron deficiency through Iron loss or blood loss: Conditions such as chronic inflammation, Celiac disease, chronic parasitic infections, H.P. Gastritis, heavy menstruation in teenage girls, and even obesity may lead to Iron deficiency.

High-risk conditions:

Babies who were born premature or very small, babies who were born to mothers with Anemia, or mother with Gestational diabetes are at a higher risk to suffer from iron deficiency.

PREVENTION

Most healthy babies have enough iron storage in their body for the first 4 – 6 months of life. Babies should be exclusively breastfed (Or Formula fed) until they are 6 months old. Breast milk has less iron content than formula but the absorption of iron from breast milk is better than from the formula. Some breast milk fed babies may still require Iron supplement after 4 months old. Starting at 6 months – it is recommended to gradually introduce iron fortified foods (e.g. Iron fortified cereals, blended red meat, lentils, beans etc).

Babies at high risk may require iron supplements earlier.

SCREENING

Should we screen every baby for iron deficiency? Currently, organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend screening every healthy baby between 9-12 months for Iron deficiency and Anemia, using CBC (Complete Blood Count) and FERRITIN (which indicates the level of iron storage in the body). These tests should be performed when the child is completely healthy to avoid false results. Babies in high risk should probably be screened earlier (between 6 – 9 months) if they are not already receiving iron supplements. Older children may require screening as well, depending on their nutrition and health.

Doctor and FMP Introduction

Dr. Jonathan Halevy is a pediatrician at Family Medical Practice for over 15 years and currently the Head of the Pediatrician team. He graduated from the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University and completed his residency at the Pediatric Department of Wolfson Medical Center in Israel. A prolific author on pediatric care, he is a sought-after speaker for health talks in the local community, addressing schools and parent groups. In 2015, he published "Nuôi Con Sao Cho Đúng," a Vietnamese-language book on children's health.

To book an appointment with Doctor Jonathan Halevy, please contact our FMP clinic at Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, District 1, HCMC; via phone at +84 28 3822 7848; or email hcmc@vietnammedicalpractice.com

Family Medical Practice - FMP Healthcare Group operates medical centers in major cities including HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang, offering consultations with international doctors, check-up centers, and emergency ambulance services. In Ho Chi Minh City, we have clinics in Districts 1, 2, and 7, along with the Care1 - Executive Health Check-Up Center and internationally accredited *9999 emergency ambulance services.