Dr. Saibe Kılınç, Pediatrician at the Private Mersin System Surgical Medical Center, explained the symptoms of iron deficiency in children and the necessary precautions.

Dr. Saibe Kılınç, Pediatrician at the Private Mersin System Surgical Medical Center, explained that iron deficiency has become a topic on almost everyone's lips in recent years. Dr. Kılınç emphasized that although it may not be taken seriously at first glance, it is actually a significant health problem with life-threatening consequences. She emphasized that iron deficiency, which is particularly prevalent in women, also poses a significant threat to children. Kılınç stated that iron deficiency underlies many health problems, from loss of appetite to growth retardation, from palpitations to learning difficulties. "It can even cause children to become cranky and even experience crying spells," he said. "Therefore, it's essential for parents to recognize the symptoms of iron deficiency early, get checked by a doctor, and take the necessary precautions."

Kılınç explained that iron deficiency affects a child's entire body. "Children with iron deficiency experience slower growth, become inactive, and complaints such as fatigue and weakness increase daily. One of the first visible signs of iron deficiency in children is a pale complexion. Cracks at the corners of the mouth, changes in the shape and breakage of the nails, and a blue discoloration of the whites of the eyes can all be telltale signs of a child's condition."

IT ALSO AFFECTS LEARNING

Kılınç also noted that dizziness, tinnitus, tongue structure disorders, painful swallowing, loss of appetite, constipation, palpitations, and difficulty breathing are among the other significant problems children can experience. He said, “Iron deficiency can also cause learning difficulties in some children. Developmental milestones such as sitting, walking, and speaking can be delayed, and learning difficulties can occur. Especially in school-aged children, attention deficits occur, and success rates in language and math classes decrease.”

IRON DEFICIENCY MAY BE THE CAUSE OF CRYING CRISES

Kılınç emphasized that iron deficiency can cause temperamental and behavioral changes in addition to many structural effects, saying, “Children can become more dependent on their mothers, shy, or, conversely, restless and irritable, and experience meaningless crying fits. The exact cause of this condition has not been fully determined. However, the body can react differently to things it senses are lacking. Children may occasionally try to eat things like soil, lime, pencil leads, wall paint, and ice. This is pica syndrome, which involves the habit of putting non-food items in the mouth. While the exact cause of pica syndrome is unknown, it can occur as a result of iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B1 and B6 deficiencies, and psychosocial development disorders. However, there's one detail that remains unclear: whether the child is eating soil due to iron deficiency, or whether iron deficiency develops because of eating soil.