Iron deficiency in children - causes, consequences, treatment - review of the literature

Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies. Children belong to one of the high-risk groups for iron insufficiency, due to the increased requirement during the period of intensive growth. ID can have unfavorable effects on brain development and the ability to learn....

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Main Authors: Anna Dziewierz, Paulina Dziewierz, Patrycja Pietrusińska, Aleksandra Sadowska, Aleksandra Welkier, Adam Sobiński, Joanna Miśkiewicz, Aleksandra Dudek, Jakub Moder, Paula Kwaśniewska, Patrycja Śliwa-Tytko
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Kazimierz Wielki University 2025-04-01
Series:Journal of Education, Health and Sport
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Online Access:https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/59534
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author Anna Dziewierz
Paulina Dziewierz
Patrycja Pietrusińska
Aleksandra Sadowska
Aleksandra Welkier
Adam Sobiński
Joanna Miśkiewicz
Aleksandra Dudek
Jakub Moder
Paula Kwaśniewska
Patrycja Śliwa-Tytko
author_facet Anna Dziewierz
Paulina Dziewierz
Patrycja Pietrusińska
Aleksandra Sadowska
Aleksandra Welkier
Adam Sobiński
Joanna Miśkiewicz
Aleksandra Dudek
Jakub Moder
Paula Kwaśniewska
Patrycja Śliwa-Tytko
author_sort Anna Dziewierz
collection DOAJ
description Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies. Children belong to one of the high-risk groups for iron insufficiency, due to the increased requirement during the period of intensive growth. ID can have unfavorable effects on brain development and the ability to learn. It can also impair the development of cognitive functions in children. Iron deficiency occurs as a result of insufficient iron intake from the diet, malabsorption associated with gastrointestinal diseases, increased requirement e.g. due to frequent bleeding. Iron is present in food in two forms: haem and non-haem. The haem form is found in animal products and is better absorbed. Early detection is essential to prevent the effects of insufficiency. The most frequently used test to diagnose iron deficiency is the ferritin level. However, a complete blood count is recommended to determine the overall condition of the body. When ID impairs the function of red blood cells, anaemia occurs. To prevent iron deficiency, women should be taken care of during pregnancy by introducing appropriate supplementation. Nutrition plans that incorporate iron-fortified foods in high-risk ID areas are also becoming more prevalent. Treatment of the insufficiency involves supplementation by oral or intravenous administration or through blood transfusions. In each method, a well-balanced diet containing foods rich in highly absorbable forms of iron is essential.
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publisher Kazimierz Wielki University
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spelling doaj-art-b9e5a2d3fcb64d52afcefccc790618b92025-08-20T03:49:08ZengKazimierz Wielki UniversityJournal of Education, Health and Sport2391-83062025-04-018010.12775/JEHS.2025.80.59534Iron deficiency in children - causes, consequences, treatment - review of the literatureAnna Dziewierz0Paulina Dziewierz1Patrycja Pietrusińska2https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0722-4396Aleksandra Sadowska3https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6458-1264Aleksandra Welkier4https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3552-6726Adam Sobiński5Joanna Miśkiewicz6https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3300-940XAleksandra Dudek7https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2547-3574Jakub Moder8Paula Kwaśniewska9https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2576-7573Patrycja Śliwa-Tytko10Mazowieckie Centrum Stomatologii w WarszawieUniwersytet Medyczny we WrocławiuThe Silesian Academy of Medical SciencesJ. Mikulicz-Radecki University Clinical Hospital in WrocławCorten Dental Sp. z o.o, WarsawMEDAR Private Healthcare Facility in LeczycaWojewódzki Szpital Zespolony w KielcachJan Biziel University Hospital No.2 in BydgoszczWarsaw Southern Hospital, WarsawSzpakmed Kochłowice, Ruda ŚląskaMedical University of Lublin Iron deficiency (ID) is one of the most widespread nutritional deficiencies. Children belong to one of the high-risk groups for iron insufficiency, due to the increased requirement during the period of intensive growth. ID can have unfavorable effects on brain development and the ability to learn. It can also impair the development of cognitive functions in children. Iron deficiency occurs as a result of insufficient iron intake from the diet, malabsorption associated with gastrointestinal diseases, increased requirement e.g. due to frequent bleeding. Iron is present in food in two forms: haem and non-haem. The haem form is found in animal products and is better absorbed. Early detection is essential to prevent the effects of insufficiency. The most frequently used test to diagnose iron deficiency is the ferritin level. However, a complete blood count is recommended to determine the overall condition of the body. When ID impairs the function of red blood cells, anaemia occurs. To prevent iron deficiency, women should be taken care of during pregnancy by introducing appropriate supplementation. Nutrition plans that incorporate iron-fortified foods in high-risk ID areas are also becoming more prevalent. Treatment of the insufficiency involves supplementation by oral or intravenous administration or through blood transfusions. In each method, a well-balanced diet containing foods rich in highly absorbable forms of iron is essential. https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/59534iron deficiencyironchild developmentiron metabolism
spellingShingle Anna Dziewierz
Paulina Dziewierz
Patrycja Pietrusińska
Aleksandra Sadowska
Aleksandra Welkier
Adam Sobiński
Joanna Miśkiewicz
Aleksandra Dudek
Jakub Moder
Paula Kwaśniewska
Patrycja Śliwa-Tytko
Iron deficiency in children - causes, consequences, treatment - review of the literature
Journal of Education, Health and Sport
iron deficiency
iron
child development
iron metabolism
title Iron deficiency in children - causes, consequences, treatment - review of the literature
title_full Iron deficiency in children - causes, consequences, treatment - review of the literature
title_fullStr Iron deficiency in children - causes, consequences, treatment - review of the literature
title_full_unstemmed Iron deficiency in children - causes, consequences, treatment - review of the literature
title_short Iron deficiency in children - causes, consequences, treatment - review of the literature
title_sort iron deficiency in children causes consequences treatment review of the literature
topic iron deficiency
iron
child development
iron metabolism
url https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/59534
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