What is the “hidden hunger”?  Did you know that you or your child could have it and never know?  Here are 7 warning signs of iron deficiency anemia and how to easily add iron to your diet with everyday foods.

Surprisingly, the World Health Organization estimates 2 billion people worldwide are anemic and the number soars when you include those who are mildly iron deficient.   It is easily diagnosed and treated but the symptoms are often disregarded or even invisible and are most common in infants 9-24 months of age.

Symptoms of Anemia

1. Weakness, fatigue, or lack of stamina.

2. Shortness of breath during exercise.

3. Headache.

4. Decreased appetite (especially in children).

5. Irritability.

6. Dizziness.

7. Pale skin.

Other signs may include:

• Rapid heartbeat.

• Cracked lips.

• Muscle pain during exercise.

• Trouble swallowing.

• Brittle nails.

• Sore tongue.

• Unusual food cravings (called pica).

In small children, it is so important to diagnosis and treat iron deficiency anemia. Long term problems include growth delays, development delays and mental or behavior problems. Irritability and short attention span can also be a result.  Some of these may become permanent if not treated but usually fade away when the deficiency is successfully treated.

Personally, my youngest daughter was diagnosed with iron deficiency at 2 years old.  Her pediatrician and I thought her symptoms were from a recent virus plus dehydration.  However, they became progressively worse and she was admitted to the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit).   The doctors and lab work indicated leukemia and the beginning of organ failure.   She had several blood transfusions and was scheduled for more bone marrow testing.  We met with her team of oncologists as we prepared for the worst.

After the transfusion, her blood work started to come back to normal levels and over a week’s hospitalization she was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia.  The speed and overall effect of iron deficiency shocked me as a parent.   Also, when we PCS’d (permanent change of station) from Texas to Virginia, the vital testing at 12 months for iron levels was somehow missed.

After the week in the hospital she was seen by a hematologist/oncologist for 6 months before she was released.  After 6 months of iron supplements, blood work, and change in diet, she was healthy, gained weight and happy again.  To this day, we have to focus on enriching her diet with iron strong food and adding iron supplements.  Her PCM tests her blood with every illness just to make sure her levels are within a normal range to prevent another relapse.

My daughter recovering after blood transfusion

In my daughter’s case (as in many cases in small children), drinking too much cow’s milk was the core cause of iron deficiency.  It contains less iron than many other foods and also makes it more difficult for the body to absorb iron from other foods. Cow’s milk also can cause the intestines to lose small amounts of blood.

How Can You Prevent Anemia?

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants be fed breast milk or iron-fortified formula for at least 12 months.

• The AAP does NOT recommend giving cow’s milk to children under 1 year old.

• Including iron-rich foods in your diet is the best way to prevent and treat iron deficiency.

Everyday Foods with iron

Foods that are good sources

• Oatmeal

• Kale & other greens

• Prunes

• Raisins

• Spinach

• Tuna

Foods that are better sources

• Chicken and other meats

• Dried beans and lentils

• Eggs

• Fish

• Molasses

• Peanut butter

• Soybeans

• Turkey

Foods that are the BEST sources

• Baby formula with iron

• Breast milk

• Infant cereals and other iron-fortified cereals

• Liver

• Prune juice

Did You Know?

The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign fights “hidden hunger” in millions of children worldwide. Children who appear well-fed could have iron-deficiency anemia. This is caused by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, which can weaken the immune system and impair physical and mental development.

The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign HMC is the signature global social responsibility program of the H.J. Heinz Company and its Foundation. Since its inception in 2001, the HMC has reached 3.5 million children in 15 developing world nations with life enhancing vitamin and mineral powders. The primary aim of the HMC is to reach children who cannot access or afford commercial fortified foods to combat the global health challenge of malnutrition, especially the “hidden hunger” of vitamin and mineral deficiency.

Learn More:

• Heinz Micronutrient Campaign

• MedlinePlus

• WebMD