Iron deficiency in kids
Infants and children have high iron needs due to their rapid growth so iron deficiency is so important to address if it happens. Menstruating girls are also at a higher risk because of the blood loss, especially if they experience heavy flow.
There are many causes of an iron deficiency such as a dietary deficiency, malabsorption of iron, increased blood loss, increased iron requirements, medications, chronic conditions and genetic disorders. If your child is experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency then it is important that it is assessed by a paediatrician who can carry out the appropriate tests to determine if they have an iron deficiency and what the major cause is.
Once that has been determined, especially when it comes to low dietary intake and malabsorption-it is important to seek help from a Nutritional Therapist such as myself in order to support the body long term to be able to build and maintain optimum iron levels. It is not as simple as taking an iron supplement. There are many potential factors that contribute to malabsorption for example that need to be identified and addressed such as the below:
-Digestive efficiency (digestive secretions and gut motility)
-Bacterial dysbiosis and gut infections
-Excess of inhibiting factors
-Levels of certain vitamins
-Certain medications and medical conditions
With Nutritional therapy, I help you attend to underlying causes of low iron levels rather than just providing an iron supplement. As well, it is important the quality, quantity and type of iron that you take.
Iron is also the most abundant trace element in humans and an essential element for almost all living organisms as it participates in a wide variety of metabolic processes, including oxygen transport, forming part of the enzymes implicated in DNA synthesis and cell respiration and electron transport.
Iron plays a vital role in the process by which cells make energy. Human cells require iron in order to convert energy from food into ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) and this is the body’s primary energy source.
Iron is necessary for immune cell creation and growth.
Iron is important for healthy brain development and growth in children, and for the normal production and function of various cells and hormones.
Key signs to look out for are:
Pale skin
Fatigue
Cold hands and feet
Slowed growth and development
Poor appetite
Abnormally rapid breathing
Behavioural problems
Frequent infections
Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt, paint or starch
If you are interested in starting therapy for your child or yourself then please contact me here. I offer a FREE discovery call if you wish.
