Iron Deficiency in Infancy and Childhood Presented by Ukachukwu Abimbola S. (BNSc, RPHN,RM, RN) Clinical nurse informatics, social media influencer

Presentation Outline Introduction Iron deficiency rate in Pre-school children Causes Health implications Dangers associated with unsuitable milk substitute Way forward Conclusion

BACKGROUND Iron deficiency anaemia has been described as the commonest type of nutritional anaemia in infancy and childhood. The associated adverse health sequelae include permanent behavioural and cognitive impairments. Early detection and prompt treatment are necessary to prevent these complications.

Introduction ANEMIA: The state of having too few red blood cells and therefore too little hemoglobin Is commonly caused by a lack of iron in the diet. Iron deficiency in childhood, as in adults, results mainly from low dietary iron intake and low bioavailability.

Iron deficiency in Globally 47% of preschool children are anemic globally 50-60% of anemia cases are due to iron deficiency

Iron deficiency in Nigeria Current rates of anemia among preschool aged children is 76% Anemia in pregnant women is 67%, Source: NDHS, 2013

Children: among the most vulnerable group Children between 6 months and 3 years are the most vulnerable group because they are rapidly growing and have increased need for iron at a time when iron stores from birth have become depleted. The prevalence of iron deficiency usually peaks at 18 months of age

Causes of iron deficiency Early introduction of undiluted cow`s milk Population that eat little meat, fish or poultry and high levels of cereals are most at risk Infection with intestinal helminths, especially hookworm or heavy Trichuris trichiurs may lead to blood loss

Causes of Iron deficiency Consumption of high amount of calcium and casein inhibiting iron absorption Consumption of high phytate diets Schistosoma haematobium also causes blood loss in urine Non- fortified home prepared complementary foods

Effect of Iron Deficiency in children Children with IDA usually have poor brain and motor development and behavioural differences Poor immunity Economic loss and burden Loss of productivity and income High level of illiteracy could be a vehicle for militancy and social problems

WAY FORWARD Prevention requires a range of multiple combined strategies, starting with prenatal iron supplementation of pregnant women, delayed cord clamping at birth and exclusive breastfeeding Iron supplementation in areas with a high prevalence of deficiency Fortification of infant cereals with iron has been proven to reduce iron deficiency In malaria endemic areas, iron supplementation should be targeted to iron-deficient children only or be provided in combination with malaria treatment.

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