Iron In Children Research Paper

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background and rationale
The importance of iron in children
Iron is an essential mineral required for haemoglobin formation and oxygen transport. Iron deficiency can lead to iron deficient anaemia (IDA). Untreated, IDA can increase your risk of infection and illness and long term can lead to complications affecting the heart and lungs, potentially leading to death.
In 2010 global anaemia prevalence was estimated to be around 33%, with iron deficiency ranking in the top 5 causes of anaemia in most areas on the world . According to the WHO iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world with children under 4 years old being most greatly affected. Iron deficiency can adversely affect the cognitive, behavioural and physical growth and immunity to infection.
Full-term

In particular, children in developing countries can have poor nutrition, general health and infections such as malaria which are known to impact on growth.8 In addition, iron supplementation can cause diarrhoea which if not managed appropriately, can cause malnutrition and have a potential effect on growth.
Rationale
The benefits of iron supplementation on anaemia are well documented, and are recommended as the appropriate treatment with children with IDA. However, the question is raised as to whether children with iron deficiency (without anaemia) should be given iron supplementation if there is a possible detrimental effect, in particular an effect on physical growth.
As documented with iron-replete children, caution should be taken when using iron supplementation due to the negative impact on physical growth, however the evidence for the effects on iron deficient children is conflicting.
Iron deficiency can lead to IDA therefore the benefits of supplementation need to outweigh the potential risks in this