Iron - A Basic Necessity in addition to a Rich Healthy Diet

Iron is considered to be one of the most essential minerals necessary for the human body. It adds to the pool of nutrients that the body needs for its lubricant functioning. It also helps in the production of haemoglobin and red blood cells.
Iron deficiency in children can affect their development and lead to anaemia. Iron supplements for kids are very crucial to ensure that they get enough amount of iron in their diet and they do not face any risks that are associated with its deficiency.

Importance of iron in a diet

Given the importance of iron in maintaining the overall health in children it is extremely necessary that children consume an iron rich diet for their proper growth and development. Most of the children today don’t eat a proper balanced diet due to which they tend to lack the necessary nutrients. Lack of iron in their diet can lead to fatigue, a slow growth rate, poor appetite, frequent infections, and cravings for non-nutritive substances.

Causes of Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency in kids can occur in kids for any of the following reasons-

• Premature birth and low weight.
• Breastfeeding beyond six months and not including solids in the diet.
• Excessive intake of cow milk at less than two years of age.
• Little or no meat intake.
• Gastrointestinal diseases.
• Lead poisoning.

Symptoms of iron deficiency

The symptoms of iron deficiency in children may include - 

• Strange behavioural problems.
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Shortness of breath
• Increased sweating
• Slower than expected growth rate

How to prevent iron deficiency among children

Limiting the intake of cow’s milk by children can reduce the risk of developing iron deficiency. Cow’s milk is not only low in iron, but it also reduces the absorption of iron from other dietary sources. The intake of cow’s milk in the first year of life should be strictly avoided.

Treatment for iron deficiency

Most children today refrain from having nutritive foods and are more attracted towards junk food, which causes iron stores in their bodies to deplete resulting in the manifestation of several symptoms of iron deficiency.

In order to bridge this dietary gap, there are several nutritive and tasty iron supplements for kids available in the market today. These help in promoting their growth, development, and wellbeing.

Iron supplements for kids include health drinks like Horlicks, Milo, bournvita, etc. which kids love to have instead of the food that their moms make for them. We all know how pesky kids can be when it comes to having nutritive food that isn’t always tasty! Luckily, there are tasty iron supplements available which kids will love to have along with their iron rich meals!