Iron is an essential mineral that performs various functions in the body.
A lack of iron in the body can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia – one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world.
According to the 2022 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS): Maternal and Child Health, 46.5% of Malaysian children aged six to 59 months (five years) have anaemia.
These are the functions of iron in the body:
- As an important component of haemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen throughout the body.
- Vital for healthy growth and development during childhood.
- Supports a fully-functioning immune system.
- Ensures normal production and function of various cells and hormones.
- Maintains healthy skin, hair and nails.
There are a few possible causes of iron-deficiency anaemia, including:
- A lack of iron in diet
- Pregnancy
- Blood loss due to heavy periods for females, or gastrointestinal conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
- Malabsorption due to coeliac disease and bariatric surgery.
The vast majority of people who have iron-deficiency anaemia (90%) do not have any symptoms (i.e. are asymptomatic).
The following symptoms occur mainly in moderate to severe anaemia:
- Extreme fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- Headaches
- Poor appetite
- Tinnitus (hearing ringing noises inside the head)
- Pica (a craving for non-nutritive substances, e.g. ice, clay, paper)
- Brittle nails or hair loss
- Sore tongue.
The potential complications of this condition are:
- Growth or developmental problems in children.
- Heart problems, e.g. rapid heartbeat, enlarged heart, heart failure.
- Pregnancy complications, e.g. premature births, low birth weight.
The are a few ways to prevent iron deficiency.
Firstly, is to ensure that your child has sufficient intake of iron-rich foods such as:
- Red meat and poultry
- Seafood
- Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach
- Beans, peas and lentils
- Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots
- Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas.
It is equally important to include foods containing vitamin C during mealtimes as these can help to enhance iron absorption.
Such foods include:
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Peppers.
Foods with high levels of phytic acid and calcium must be controlled as these can affect iron absorption.
These include:
- Wholegrain cereals
- Seeds and legumes
- Milk and dairy.
Babies should be fed breastmilk or iron-fortified formula during their first year of life.
Complementary feeding can be started at six months of age, and should include iron-fortified cereal or pureed meat at least twice a day.
Iron deficiency is a serious issue, especially among high-risk groups such as young children and pregnant women.
In fact, screening for children below five years old should be introduced at maternal and child health clinics; don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
However, if you notice any symptoms of iron-deficiency anaemia in your children or other family members, immediately consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Prof Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin is a senior consultant paediatrician and paediatric endocrinologist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
