Iron Deficiency in Children: A Hidden Health Concern

As we enter the month of August, despite the fact that summer is still in full swing, parents may often begin thinking about September, and our children going back to school. We wonder how we can best prepare them to thrive throughout the school year.

If you know me well, you’d know I love to talk about food and nutrition. (I won’t be discussing that here, but will cover it more thoroughly in an upcoming webinar - stay tuned!) I wanted to, however, take the time to talk about an important mineral that is commonly depleted amongst our children; and when it is, this can have a significant impact. I see this often in my practice. 

Why Iron Matters For Learning and Development

Iron plays a vital role throughout the body and supports healthy brain development. When it comes to school, whether in the classroom or playground, you may notice your child with iron deficiency experience:

• Difficulty focusing in class

• Reduced attention span

• Lower academic performance

• Irritability or mood changes

• Decreased physical endurance for sports and play

• Delays in cognitive and motor development, particularly during infancy and early childhood

Even mild iron deficiency, before anemia develops, can affect learning, memory, and behaviour.

Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency in Children

Iron deficiency can develop slowly, and some children may have no obvious symptoms at first. As iron levels decline, parents may notice:

• Fatigue or low energy

• Pale skin

• Cold hands and feet

• Headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness (especially with activity) 

• Decreased appetite (especially in infants & young children) 

• Brittle nails; dry/ damaged hair + skin, and hair loss 

• Dark circles around the eyes 

• Restless legs 

• Shortness of breath during activity

What Causes Childhood Iron Deficiency

Several factors can contribute to low iron levels, including:

• Diets low in iron-rich foods

• Drinking excessive amounts of cow's milk (especially in toddlers), which can reduce iron absorption and replace iron-rich foods

• Rapid growth during infancy and adolescence, when iron needs increase

• Heavy menstrual periods in adolescent girls

• Vegetarian or vegan diets that are not carefully planned

• Medical conditions affecting iron absorption, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease

• Chronic blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment depends on the severity of the deficiency but often includes:

• Iron-rich foods: Lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, eggs, iron-fortified cereals, spinach, and legumes. (though foods often aren’t sufficient enough to replenish a severe deficiency) 

• Vitamin C: Pairing iron-rich foods or supplements with vitamin C sources (such as oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, or tomatoes) improves iron absorption.

• Iron supplements: A healthcare provider, such as your family doctor or naturopathic doctor may recommend an oral iron supplement for children with confirmed iron deficiency following a blood test. Supplements should only be given under medical guidance, to ensure that the appropriate dose and form is administered, for the appropriate duration, as excessive iron can be harmful. 

• Follow-up testing: Blood tests are often repeated after treatment begins to ensure iron levels have improved

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that Iron deficiency is common, treatable, and often preventable. If your child seems unusually tired, struggles with concentration, or experiences any of the additional factors above, speak with your healthcare provider.

Early diagnosis and treatment can improve energy, support healthy brain development, and help children reach their full potential at school, on the playground, and beyond.

**Iron deficiency is detected through low serum Iron, ferritin (iron stores). Iron deficiency can lead to Iron deficiency anemia. 

**Anemia indicates that hemoglobin (a protein in your red blood cells, which carries oxygen to your tissues) is additionally low