Iron Deficiency Anemia

 Hemoglobin is a protein contained in red blood cells that delivers oxygen throughout the body. When iron stores are insufficient, hemoglobin production decreases, resulting in an inadequate oxygen supply to the body.

 In children, the causes of anemia may include excessive consumption of cow’s milk, insufficient intake of iron-rich foods, low prenatal iron reserves (for example, in preterm infants or when the mother has anemia during pregnancy), blood loss (such as heavy menstruation in girls or gastrointestinal disorders), malabsorption syndromes, and periods of rapid growth (preschool and adolescent years, when the body’s demand for iron increases).

 Clinical manifestations of anemia in children may include general weakness, fatigue, pallor, dizziness, reduced performance, hair loss, and brittle nails.

 This form of anemia is diagnosed based on a detailed medical history, complete blood count, and measurement of iron stores.

 To prevent the development of anemia, it is important to include iron-rich foods (such as red meat, legumes, spinach, apples, etc.) in the diet and to limit excessive cow’s milk consumption.

If anemia has already developed, iron therapy prescribed by a physician is required. It should be continued until not only hemoglobin levels but also the body’s iron stores are fully restored.