IRON deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a major health concern among children, according to the World Health Organisation.
While iron deficiency in children is common, it can range from mild deficiency all the way to IDA — a serious condition where the body lacks the ability to produce haemoglobin, which is essential for healthy red blood cells.
If left untreated, IDA can severely affect a child’s physical and cognitive development as well as their body’s immune system.
CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF IDA
Some children experience IDA because of a lack of iron in their food intake. Gastrointestinal tract problems could also lead to poor absorption of iron in the body.
Other causes of iron deficiency include bleeding or injuries resulting in blood loss. Physical changes like growth spurts may also require more iron from the body to produce sufficient red blood cells.
According to the Health Ministry, there are a few common symptoms of IDA:
– Grumpiness
– Fatigue
– Headaches
– Difficulty concentrating
– Pale skin and brittle nails
– Sore or swollen tongue
– Shortness of breath
– Light-headedness
– Wanting to eat non-food items**
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO
A recent study by Danone, in collaboration with Clinical Investigation Centre, University Malaya Medical Centre, found that one in three Malaysian children are at risk of IDA.
It revealed its key findings of ‘Iron Strong’ study during the Nutrition Society Malaysia 38th Annual Scientific Conference held in Kuala Lumpur.
The ‘Iron Strong’ study was the first large-scale multi-site clinical study in the country to help improve understanding on the prevalence of IDA among young children.
(From left to right) ISEA Health Innovation, Medical Affairs and Market Access Director at Danone Angie Low; Senior Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist and Deputy Dean (Undergraduate Studies), Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya Professor Dr. Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin; Consultant Family Medicine Specialist and Head of Clinic at Klinik Kesihatan Simpang Kuala, Alor Setar, Kedah Dr. Sri Wahyu Taher; and Nutrition Programme, School of Health Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia Professor Dr Hamid Jan Bin Jan Mohamed – File pic credit (Danone)
Specialised Nutrition Unit (SNU) Director for India and South-East Asia at Danone Vera Saw, said: “The findings of our Iron Strong Study shine a spotlight on the severity of anaemia among children in Malaysia.
“Our collaborative effort with Clinical Investigation Centre at University Malaya Medical Centre is a testament to our dedication to advocating for better nutrition and promoting proactive health screening, as well as setting the groundwork for strategic intervention plans and defining appropriate collective measures to address the issue as part of our One Health Agenda in Malaysia,” she said.
The study involved 1,201 out-patient Malaysian children below 36 months across randomly selected government health clinics in the region, utilising a non-invasive screening device for total haemoglobin.
Its key findings found that young children are at higher risk of being anaemic than older children, while underweight children are likely anaemic.
Another finding was that both urban and rural children are at risk of anaemia.
Senior Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist and Deputy Dean Faculty of Medicine, as well as Principal Investigator Professor Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, said: “Malnutrition significantly contributes to iron deficiency anaemia, culminating in irreversible growth complications among Malaysian children.
Professor Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, Senior Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist and Deputy Dean Faculty of Medicine, who is also the Principal Investigator said: “Malnutrition significantly contributes to iron deficiency anaemia, culminating in irreversible growth complications among Malaysian children.
“The implications extend beyond physical growth, affecting cognitive development and immune function. By identifying and addressing risk factors early through routine screenings, we can significantly mitigate the impact of nutrient deficiencies on children,” he said.
Based on the key findings, parents are advised to start regular anaemia screening for their children from a young age to ensure their growth is not hindered.
The good news is that there are now non-invasive screening tools that are effective in identifying children at risk of anaemia.
BUILDING AN IRON-STRONG GENERATION
As a follow-up to its ‘Iron Strong’ study, Danone has lined up various initiatives to help parents ensure their children are protected from health issues related to iron deficiency.
One of them includes Dugro’s Iron Strong Generation roadshow, which is an extensive nationwide event to raise awareness of the importance of iron in children’s nutrition and promote the generation of iron-strong kids.
The roadshow provides a free, non-invasive anaemia screening and consultation.
Besides that, Danone will be collaborating with healthcare partners to raise awareness about anaemia by promoting nationwide proactive screening as well as educating about iron and micronutrient deficiencies among parents and caregivers.
To support an ‘Iron Strong’ generation, Danone also encourages children to drink three glasses of Dugro each day.
Three glasses of Dugro Step 3 with Iron Active (Zat Besi Aktif) help to provide 100% of daily recommended intake for iron, along with other key nutrients such as DHA as well as 21 vitamins and minerals for 360 development.
Dugro Iron Active formula plays a crucial role in enhancing iron absorption in children by two times with a 1:3 ratio of iron and vitamin C, based on WHO recommendation.
Starting Aug 5, for every RM50 worth of Dugro products purchased in a single receipt, shoppers will be able to get a free water tumbler.
Find out more about Danone’s ‘Iron Strong’ campaign on this website.
**Allali S, Brousse V, Sacri AS, Chalumeau M, de Montalembert M. Anemia in children: prevalence, causes, diagnostic work-up, and long-term consequences. Expert Review of Hematology. 2017; 10(11):1023-8.
