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

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

12. 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

14. 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.

15. THANK YOU