Iron Deficiency in Children: symptoms and impact on behaviour

Iron is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in carrying oxygen throughout the body, and in the production of energy, brain development, and immune function. When children do not get enough iron, they can develop iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), which is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide.

Symptoms of iron deficiency in children

The symptoms of iron deficiency in children can vary depending on the severity of the deficiency. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Pallor: This is a pale appearance of the skin, lips, and nail beds.

• Fatigue: Children with iron deficiency may tire easily and have low energy levels.

• Shortness of breath: This is especially common during exercise or exertion.

• Headaches: Headaches can be a sign of iron deficiency in children.

• Dizziness or light-headedness: This can occur when children stand up quickly or change positions.

• Poor appetite: Children with iron deficiency may have a decreased appetite.

• Cold hands and feet: This is due to poor circulation.

• Delayed growth and development: Iron deficiency can slow down a child's growth and development.

Impact of iron deficiency on behaviour

In addition to the physical symptoms listed above, iron deficiency can also have a significant negative impact on a child's behaviour. Children with iron deficiency may experience:

• Irritability: They may be easily frustrated and have a short temper.

• Attention problems: They may have difficulty focusing and concentrating on tasks.

• Hyperactivity: They may be fidgety and restless.

• Social withdrawal: They may withdraw from social activities and interactions.

• Learning difficulties: Iron deficiency can impair cognitive function and make it difficult for children to learn.

• Disturbed sleep: Despite the fatigue that is common in iron deficiency, kids with insufficient iron often experience disturbed sleep and overnight waking.

Is it ADHD or is it Iron Deficiency?

If you are reading the behavioural symptoms of iron deficiency and thinking that it sounds a lot like ADHD, you are correct! There are many parallels between iron deficiency and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Iron is a key nutrient needed in the production of dopamine, and deficiency can reduce levels of dopamine available and mimic ADHD. It is important to always rule out or treat iron deficiency before seeking an ADHD diagnosis.

Preventing Iron Deficiency in Children

The best way to prevent iron deficiency in children is to make sure they are eating a healthy diet that includes iron-rich foods. Some good sources of iron include:

• Red meat

• Poultry

• Fish

• Beans

• Lentils

• Cashews

• Hemp seeds

• Dried Apricots

• Tofu or Tempeh

• Chia Seeds

How to improve iron absorption from foods

·      Eat a variety of iron-rich foods: Include both haem (animal foods) and non-haem (plant foods) iron sources in your diet

·      Eat iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods: Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries

·      Soak beans, lentils, and nuts before cooking: This can help to reduce the amount of phytates, which can interfere with iron absorption

·      Cook your food in a cast-iron skillet: Cast iron can leach iron into your food, especially acidic foods like tomatoes.

Factors that can disrupt iron absorption

• Gut health: digestive inflammation can cause an increase in hepcidin, which downregulates iron absorption. This is part of the body’s protective mechanisms as iron in excess is inflammatory, and when there is already inflammation present the body wants to prevent any further inflammation. If iron levels stay low despite supplementation and adequate dietary intake then we need to address gut health to allow for more absorption.

• Absence of cofactors: Iron requires adequate levels of other minerals and micronutrients to be absorbed and utilised by the body. Chronic iron deficiency may be a sign of other nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin C, B12, folate, copper or zinc.

• Excess heavy metals: Several heavy metals can interfere with iron absorption, leading to iron deficiency anemia and other health problems. The most common culprits are lead, cadmium, mercury and aluminium.

A Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) test can be a useful tool in identifying imbalances in heavy metals and minerals that may be the cause of iron deficiency. To find out more about what is involved in a HTMA you can read my article: Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis: A Window into Your Health

In some cases, children may need to take iron supplements to correct an iron deficiency. It is important to check iron levels before starting supplements and always talk to a qualified health professional. Iron excess symptoms can be similar to iron deficiency symptoms and supplements can be unsafe in high doses, leading to iron overload and cause serious health concerns. Certain forms of iron supplements can be hard on digestion and cause constipation, seeing a naturopath to discuss the gentlest and easiest to absorb form of iron can help prevent this.

If you suspect low iron might be the cause of your health issues, book a Free Discovery Call to discuss testing and treatment options.

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