
Iron deficiency and Iron deficiency anemia
What is the importance of Iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional anemia worldwide. Beyond the low hemoglobin level, it affects the brain performance negatively. These individuals tend to be irritable, not focused, distracted and have a lower IQ. The good news is it is preventable.
Is this associated with any cognitive deficiency?
Iron is important for carrying oxygen in blood via hemoglobin. Iron is also important for brain development and interactions with other brain cells. Iron deficiency affects the brains ability to focus and learn, causing irritability and hyperactivity. It can be prevented by appropriate Iron supplementation from the beginning. Once Iron deficiency causes these defects, some of them will not disappear even after correcting Iron deficiency.
How to identify iron deficiency?
Blood tests are needed to look for low hemoglobin and low iron levels.
How to prevent it?
- Iron fortified food items in children.
2. Iron supplementation in infants.
3. Iron rich foods in our daily routine.
4. Check the blood levels as recommended by American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Family Physicians and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology