Child anemia is a health condition in which red blood cells are insufficient or do not function properly, leading to a decrease in the blood’s ability to transport oxygen. The most common causes of anemia in children include:
- Iron Deficiency: Iron deficiency is the most frequent cause of childhood anemia. Iron is necessary for producing hemoglobin, the protein responsible for oxygen transport in the blood.
- Inflammation: a child’s frequent episodes of acute diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, parasitosis etc. have been shown to correlate with anemia
- Blood Loss: This can occur due to bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds or heavy menstruation.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Inadequate intake, especially in vegan diets, or intestinal diseases (such as diarrhea) affecting nutrient absorption.
During childhood, anemia can impair school performance and adult productivity, affecting overall quality of life and economic well-being. Other effects include:
- Fetal Risk: Anemia in pregnant mothers increases the risk of mortality during fetal development. Providing nutritional supplements to women of childbearing age is crucial.
- Impact on Infant Development: Anemia is associated with delayed growth, impaired psychomotor and cognitive development, reduced vocal ability, and decreased resistance to infections in children.
- Long-Term Effects: Childhood anemia affects cognitive development, particularly psychomotor skills, cognition, and socialization.
- Physical Capacity Reduction: In adults, anemia decreases the ability to perform manual labor or intense physical activity, resulting in lower productivity due to reduced oxygen levels in the blood and thus in all tissues.