Iron is one of the most important minerals in the body as iron compounds, and hemoglobin in particular, perform vital functions. Iron deficiency is very common in childhood and presents as iron deficiency anemia.
Preventing iron deficiency anemia is today a key principle of pediatrics.

Causes

Iron deficiency appears
A) when the body's need for iron is increased: due to rapid growth in infants, toddlers and adolescents when the rate of growth is faster, and when the body loses blood, for instance in girls during puberty or as a result of pathological causes.
B) When iron intake is reduced: when the amount of iron in the food is inadequate or iron is poorly absorbed because of a bowel disease.

The symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are: weakness, anorexia, pallor, tachycardia and heart failure.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is mainly confirmed by laboratory tests:
Full blood count, iron serum and ferittin tests.
Treatment is decided by the pediatrician, who will probably give the child oral iron preparations for 2-4 months.

Prevention

Prevention is better than cure For this reason, pediatricians advise parents to give children food which contains or is enriched with the necessary amounts of iron. For example: vegetables - and especially spinach -, soy, wheat, beef, egg, etc. are rich in iron.

The main food which is enriched with iron is baby milk.
SANILAC 1 and 2 baby milks are enriched with iron and fully meet babies’ needs for iron
JOTIS Powdered Baby foods are also enriched with iron to ensure they meet babies’ nutritional needs at all stages of development.
Finally, the physician may recommend preventative medication for infants, toddlers, adolescents and pregnant women.