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Importance of Iron

Importance of Iron
 
 
Importance of Iron

Iron Fortification of foods is a technological process of adding extra Iron to certain foods such as cereals (wheat, rice etc.). This helps in increasing the iron content of these foods. An adequate intake of iron from iron fortified foods may help prevent iron deficiency, hence reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency is one of the most common cause of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is caused due to severe Iron deficiency, resulting in cognitive impairment, decreased physical capacity and reduced immunity. Iron deficiency anemia also contributes to diminished growth and learning. Children with iron deficiency anemia are less playful, show less pleasure, have increased irritability and less reaction to usual stimuli. Iron deficiency among young children can be prevented by teaching families about child nutrition and with adequate intake of age appropriate iron rich solid foods such as iron fortified cereals along with foods that enhance iron absorption such as vitamin C rich fruits, vegetables and juices.

References:
1. Lozoff B, Castillo M, Clark KM, Smith JB, Sturza J. Iron supplementation in infancy contributes to more adaptive behavior at 10 years of age. J Nutr. 2014;144:838-45.
2. Lozoff B, Georgieff MK. Iron deficiency and brain development. Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2006; 13:158-65.
3. Kotecha, V. Nutritional Anemia in Young Children with Focus on Asia and India. Indian J Community Med. 2011 Jan-Mar;36(1): 8–16. doi: 10.4103/09700218.80786
4. Roth, R, Townsend, C. Nutrition & Diet Therapy (8), Canada. Delmar learning: Thomas learning Inc. 2003;:506