What is Iron deficiency Anemia and why is it so important especially in developing countries?

Iron Deficiency anemia (IDA) is a condition characterized by a lack of adequate iron in the body, leading to a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is essential for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When iron levels are insufficient, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath as shown through Ben's symptoms. 

 

 

 

Demystifying Medicine McMaster. (2022, March 16). Iron Deficiency: What You Need To Know When Your Iron Levels Are Low [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXKXXxic9qo

 

Significance in Developing countries 

 

IDA is a prevalent health issue worldwide, but its impact is particularly severe in developing countries. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2004, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) lead to 273, 000 deaths: 45% in Southeast Asia, 31% in Africa, 9% in the Eastern Mediterranean etc., with 97% occurring in low-and middle-income countries. 97% in general should be a hard percentage to get; on test, on vote, yet these numbers are sky rocking so easily in these developing countries. Several factors contribute to this heightened prevalence: 

 

  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Limited access to iron-rich foods, such as meat and fortified cereals, leads to inadequate dietary iron intake.  
  • Infectious Diseases: High rates of infections like malaria and parasitic infestations increase iron loss and impair absorption. 
  • Economic constraints: Poverty restricts access to healthcare services and nutritional education, hindering prevention and treatment efforts.

 

World Health Organization /UNICEF/UNU, Iron Deficiency Anaemia: Assessment, Prevention, and Control. A Guide for Programme Managers, 2001Geneva, SwitzerlandWorld Health Organization 

Why Children?

Focusing more on children is crucial as iron is especially vulnerable due to their rapid growth and increased iron requirements. Iron is a nutrient that your child needs to grow and develop properly. For example, studies in the Caribbean found iron deficiency anemia to occur in 30-60% of preschool children, aged six months to six years.  

 

Mason, K et al. “Iron Deficiency among Jamaican Adolescents.” The West Indian medical journal vol. 63,6 (2014): 561-5. doi:10.7727/wimj.2013.240 

 

What are the symptoms of Iron deficiency?  

It can be hard for parents to tell if your children lack iron. However, the majority of children's low iron symptoms do not manifest until iron deficiency anemia occurs. Speak with a member of your child's medical team if they have risk factors for iron deficiency. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia might include: 

  1. Pale Skin: What parents can do is pull down the lower eyelid of your children to see if it is pale. If it is pale, this is called conjunctival pallor. Parents can also check his/ her face or nails for paleness – if so, this is a likelihood of iron deficiency anemia due to the decreased on hemoglobin levels. 
  2. Fatigue and Weakness: A prevalent symptom due to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to persistent tiredness and general weakness.  
  3. Shortness of breath or faster heartbeat: Difficulty breathing during routine activities, as the body attempts to compensate for low oxygen level. The normal heart rate Infant (to 12 months): 100-160 beats per minute (bpm) Toddler (1-3 years): 90-150 bpm. Preschooler (3-5 years): 80-140 bpm. School-aged child (5-12 years): 70-120 bpm. (Fowler, 2023)  
  4. Dizziness or Light headedness: Frequent episodes of dizziness or feeling lightheaded, particularly when standing up quickly. 
  5. Cold Hands and Feet: Reduced oxygen supply can cause extremities to feel cold.  
  6. Brittle Nails and Hair Loss: Noticeable changes in nail texture, such as brittleness or spoon-shaped nails, and increased hair loss.  

It is important to note that these symptoms can develop gradually and may be mild initially. If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.  

 

Fowler, P. (2023, March 5). Pediatric vital signs. WebMD. Retrieved November 26, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/children/children-vital-signs