The Effect of Iron Deficiency on Intelligence Quotient in Children

Iron deficiency, known as anemia among the people, causes various health problems and can negatively affect the school success of children. Especially in children under 2 years old, it is stated that having iron deficiency for a long time decreases Intelligence Quotient (IQ) by about 10 points. Therefore, it is recommended that parents carefully evaluate symptoms such as loss of appetite and weakness in their children and consult a specialist.

Bone marrow is responsible for blood production in our body. Red blood cells, white blood cells, thrombocytes are produced by the bone marrow. Anemia can develop when there is a problem in the bone marrow, when the nutrients required for the production of red blood cells are not taken, or when the child’s iron need increases. If the hemoglobin in the red blood cells is low for age and gender, this condition is called anemia. The hemoglobin in red blood cells is a molecule responsible for carrying oxygen to tissues. When hemoglobin is low, enough oxygen cannot be transported to tissues in the body. This situation can manifest itself with the following symptoms in children:

• The child’s inability to actively move around with other friends
• Getting tired quickly while playing games or running, climbing stairs
• Pale skin
• Yellow or earthy skin color
• Anorexia
• Increased heart rate in physical activity
• Dry skin
• Lack of concentration
• Negative mood
• Numbness in hands and feet
• Growth retardation

Eating rich in iron prevents anemia

Insufficient intake of iron-rich foods can cause iron deficiency anemia in children. Child; If he does not consume enough foods such as red meat, lentils, beans, black grape molasses, anemia may develop. Anorexia increases in anemia child. The child eats less food and his anemia deepens. Children with one or more of the symptoms should definitely be taken to a pediatric hematologist. These children should definitely have a complete blood count test; If iron deficiency anemia is detected, it should be treated promptly.

Iron deficiency can also be reflected in the child’s inner world

Iron deficiency anemia can be seen in babies in the first two years. Iron deficiency anemia during infancy and early childhood delays psychomotor and cognitive development and negatively affects the level of intelligence. Children under 2 years of age with iron deficiency have problems with adjustment and balance. These children are more withdrawn and timid. The storage iron that babies take from their mothers is sufficient for 4-6 months from birth. However, iron deficiency may develop in babies who cannot get enough iron after this period. Therefore, at the age of 5-6 months in babies who are breastfed; Iron supplementation should be started at 4 months of age in those who do not take breast milk. Otherwise, babies who do not get enough iron may develop iron deficiency anemia at the age of one. Iron supplements are recommended to prevent this situation. At a dose of 1 mg / kg / day after 4-6 months for term babies; Drops containing elemental iron at a dose of 2 mg / kg / day should be started after 2 months for preterm babies born under 2500 gr.

Iron supplements are important for babies

It is recommended to continue iron supplementation until 1 year old. Nevertheless, a complete blood count should be performed in all babies between the ages of 9-12 months and whether the babies need iron should be investigated. Iron deficiency anemia is also common in adolescence. Depending on the growth, the need for iron increases during this period. Therefore, in terms of iron deficiency, complete blood count and peripheral smear should be performed in adolescents.

Blood map with a drop of blood

Peripheral smear is a reliable laboratory method that provides useful information in the diagnosis of blood diseases. It is one of the cheapest and classical methods that can be used in determining anemia and its type. A drop of blood is spread on a special glass called slide and stained with special dyes and examined under a microscope by a hematologist. Thus, the type of anemia can be determined easily.