Iron Deficiency Anemia Management in Pediatric Populations
Summary
Iron deficiency anaemia remains the most prevalent nutritional disorder among children and adolescents worldwide, with especially high incidence in low- and middle-income regions. Early-life iron insufficiency impairs cognitive development, compromises immune function and may give rise to long-term morbidity. Management encompasses prevention, timely diagnosis and tailored treatment. Prevention hinges on dietary diversification, fortification strategies and maternal iron optimisation during pregnancy. Screening protocols rely on haemoglobin measurement complemented by iron indices such as ferritin and transferrin saturation. First-line therapy generally employs oral iron supplementation administered in doses calibrated to age and weight, with attention to absorption-enhancing practices and minimisation of gastrointestinal adverse effects. In cases of poor tolerance, malabsorption or severe anaemia, parenteral formulations offer a rapid and effective alternative. Emerging research seeks to refine dosing schedules, explore novel delivery systems and integrate complementary therapies. A coordinated approach involving primary care, paediatric specialists and public health initiatives is essential to reduce the global burden of paediatric iron deficiency anaemia and to safeguard growth and developmental trajectories.
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Iron Deficiency Anemia Management in Pediatric Populations publication trend
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Technical terms
Ferritin: Intracellular protein that stores iron and reflects body iron reserves.
Hepcidin: Liver-derived hormone regulating iron absorption and distribution by inhibiting ferroportin.
Haemoglobin: Red blood cell protein that transports oxygen; its concentration defines anaemia.
Non-haem iron: Plant-based iron form with lower bioavailability than animal-derived haem iron.
Parenteral iron: Intravenous or intramuscular administration of iron, used when oral routes fail.
Transferrin saturation: Percentage of iron-binding sites on transferrin occupied by iron; indicates iron availability.
References
- Nutritional Strategies for Managing Iron Deficiency in Adolescents: Approaches to a Challenging but Common Problem. Advances in Nutrition (2024).
- Safety and efficacy of East Asian herbal medicine for iron deficiency anemia in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2024).
- New Insights into Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children: A Practical Review. Metabolites (2022).
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