From the School Nurse 

IRON DEFICIENCY

More and more I am hearing from students that they are low in iron. Often, they are hoping this will lead to a phone call to a parent so they can go home. So, I thought I would use this opportunity to provide some information on iron deficiency.

What is it?

In the simplest of terms iron deficiency is when there is not enough iron in your body.

Is Low Iron the same as Anaemia?

People often refer to themselves as anaemic rather than low iron – but there is actually a difference. Being Low in Iron can lead to Anaemia.

Anaemia is when your blood test reveals you have less haemoglobin and fewer red blood cells than the recommended quantity. The body needs iron to make haemoglobin.

Low iron is when your blood test shows lower than recommended iron levels but has not yet affected your body’s ability to make haemoglobin thereby your red blood cell and haemoglobin count remain within normal limits.

Signs and symptoms of Low Iron.

Symptoms to watch for include:

• Pale skin
• Pale cheeks and lips
• Lining of eyelids may look less pink than normal
• Irritability
• Mild weakness
• Tiring easily and napping more
• Rapid heart rate
• Headaches
• Dizziness

How do they diagnose Low Iron?

If you have concern that your child is displaying these symptoms, or if there is history of low iron/anaemia in the family it is recommended to book an appointment with your local doctor and request a blood test to check your child’s iron levels.

Treatment.

Obviously, the best way to treat low iron is to increase the amount of iron in the body.

This can be done through 3 measures.

1. DIET - eating more foods that are rich in iron and vitamin C

                     (Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron)

1. SUPPLEMENTS – your doctor may recommend iron tablets or liquid iron for our younger population. These can be purchased over the counter at most leading pharmacies. Iron supplements will need to be taken for several months, and you will need to recheck your child’s iron levels before stopping them. The doctor will recommend which type of iron supplement is best for your child.
2. IRON INFUSION – in severe cases (those who are anaemic) and diet or supplements have not been effective, your doctor may recommend an iron infusion. An iron infusion occurs at your doctor’s clinic and takes approximately 1-2 hours. Iron is administered intravenously through fluids directly into the blood stream.

So, if you do suspect low iron may be affecting your child it is important to have this looked into and managed by a health professional.

Key facts

• Iron plays an important role in your body.
• If you don’t get enough iron, you can develop iron deficiency.
• Iron deficiency can cause problems such as fatigue, poor concentration and anaemia.
• The best treatment for iron deficiency depends on the cause.
• Treatments may include eating foods high in iron, eating foods high in vitamin C to help iron absorption, or taking iron supplements.