Developing Brains Need Iron

Research is continuing to indicate that iron is extremely critical to early brain development. Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition for young children who are not receiving enough iron in their diets. The danger is anemia can lead to a permanently low intelligence quotient (IQ).

Iron is important because it is an essential part of hemoglobin (Hb). Hemoglobin is what allows the red blood cells to transport oxygen to the body cells. Lack of hemoglobin limits the blood’s ability to feed the cells, which therefore limits tissue growth.

Essentially, iron deficiency anemia results in a lack of oxygen in the body various tissues. When tissue is starved of oxygen, it fails to grow and can suffer permanent damage.

Brain development is of primary concern when considering the effects of iron deficiency anemia on young children. Brain tissue in unborn and young children is under constant development, and an adequate oxygen supply is absolutely critical to proper brain formation. An inadequate oxygen supply can result in an underdeveloped brain with permanently lower cognitive ability.

For this reason, pregnant mothers should be certain to consume enough iron throughout their pregnancies, so that the developing brains of their unborn children can benefit from proper oxygen levels. (Note 20% of women suffer from anemia during pregnancy.) Parents should make sure that their children continue to receive proper amounts of iron throughout childhood.

Iron is available from many sources, such as beef, green leafy vegetables, raisins, dried apricots, almonds, etc. A diet with plenty of Vitamin C is also advisable, because Vitamin C aids in the body’s absorption of iron.

If you are concerned about your child’s iron levels, ask your pediatrician to test your child’s hemoglobin level. The hemoglobin test is a simple blood test that requires a quick prick on the toe or finger and a small blood sample. In many cases, the results of a hemoglobin test can be available in as little as a few minutes. (Note: Pregnant women should also be tested for anemia.)

Correcting iron deficiency anemia is fairly simple. If your or your child is anemic, the doctor will be able to prescribe a diet that will include proper iron levels.