Subtle Iron Deficiency
Dr. Nieman Uncovers Hidden Iron Deficiency in Children, Warning of Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Impacts
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Iron deficiency in children and teens is often missed because the signs are not always obvious, warns Dr. Nieman, a pediatrician with over 40 years of experience and founder of Centre 70 Pediatrics. According to Calgary Herald, the condition can silently cause poor brain development, low energy, weak immunity, and delayed speech if left untreated.
Despite decades of awareness efforts, Calgary Sun reports that 15% of toddlers and 10% of non-pregnant teenage girls still experience iron deficiency. The condition does not always cause visible symptoms, making it easy to overlook until long-term damage is done.
Who Is Most at Risk for Low Iron Levels
Certain groups of children face a much higher risk of iron deficiency. Northern News identifies these as babies whose umbilical cords were clamped too early, premature babies, and infants who only drink breast milk late into their first year. Vegan and vegetarian children are also at elevated risk.
The Whig adds that girls with heavy menstrual periods, babies given too much formula, and those who start solid foods very late are also vulnerable. Even babies in families that switched from breastfeeding to cow's milk too early face a higher chance of low iron.
Hidden Symptoms That Parents and Doctors Can Miss
Iron deficiency does not always look the way people expect. The Observer notes that symptoms can include poor concentration, low energy, a weak immune system, restless legs, and a delay in learning to talk. These signs are easy to confuse with other childhood issues.
Because the signs are so subtle, many cases go undetected for months or even years. Brantford Expositor warns that untreated iron deficiency can lead to long-term consequences for a child's brain development — damage that may be difficult to reverse.
Iron Supplements and Diet: What Families Can Do
The main treatment for iron deficiency is oral iron supplementation. The most common form used is ferrous sulphate, taken by mouth. Calgary Herald notes that vitamin C taken at the same time can help the body absorb iron better. Doctors typically guide families through the right dose and timing.
For families who cannot afford cow's milk after breastfeeding stops, iron-fortified formula is an option — but only after age one, according to Northern News. Most vegan families, the report notes, are already aware of the risk and try to include plenty of plant-based iron sources, known as nonheme iron, in their children's diets.
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