When children start primary school, some teachers notice fatigue, even when the parents state the child had a full night’s sleep. Some struggle with concentration in class and even seem a little more irritable than usual.
However, one of the hidden causes of this is low iron levels. That’s why it’s so important for parents to understand the role iron plays in their child’s body and how anemia can be easily missed, even when our children are eating well.
Why Iron Is So Important for Children’s Health
Iron helps the body make hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. Without enough iron, kids can feel weak, lose focus, or even become pale and fall sick more often. In growing children, iron is essential for brain development, strong immunity, and daily energy.
Common signs of iron deficiency include:
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Pale skin
- Poor appetite
- Struggling to concentrate
Even kids who eat every day can be low on iron, especially if they are picky eaters or drink too much milk without enough balanced meals.
Common Causes of Iron Deficiency in Nigerian Children’s Health.
- Too Much Tea (beverage) or Cow Milk: Tea (especially with milk) can reduce iron absorption. And while milk is nutritious, it doesn’t contain iron and can fill kids up before they eat proper meals.
- Poor Diet Variety: Many children eat mostly rice, yam, or instant noodles without enough iron-rich foods like meat, beans, or leafy greens.
- Growth Spurts: Children grow fast, and their bodies need more iron during these periods.
How to Support Your Child’s Iron Intake
- Include Iron-Rich Local Foods: Cooked beans, ugu (fluted pumpkin leaves), liver, crayfish, beef, and chicken are all great sources of iron.
- Pair Iron with Vitamin C: Add oranges, pineapple, or pawpaw to meals to help the body absorb iron better.
- Limit Excess Tea or Cow Milk: We had to state this twice, just because of how common it is. Too much can block iron absorption, so offer them after meals instead of with meals.
- Talk to a Doctor About Supplements: If your child shows signs of low iron, a supplement like Renzo’s Iron strong may help. It’s a sugar-free iron supplement particularly made with carbonyl iron. It’s gentle on the stomach and doesn’t cause constipation like many iron syrups do. Best of all? The taste is encouraging.
Conclusion
Low iron is more common than many of us realise, especially in active, growing kids. But with the right meals and smart choices like Renzo’s Iron Strong, we can protect our children’s health, energy, and confidence without any stress or drama.
References
- Mayo Clinic. Iron Deficiency in Children: Prevention Tips for Parents.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/iron-deficiency/art-20045634 - Cleveland Clinic. What Causes Iron Deficiency in Your Child and How to Spot It.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-causes-iron-deficiency-in-your-child-and-how-to-spot-it
