Page 13 - Cosmos Edition 3

IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN ADOLESCENTS

Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is a common, worldwide problem with a prevalence of 9% in
toddlers, 9-11% in adolescent girls, a less than 1% in teenage boys. Iron deficiency occurs
in both developed and developing countries, making it the most common nutritional defi-
ciency worldwide.in response to this epidemic, the World health Organization`s goal is to
reduce anemia in women of reproductive age by 50% in addition to other targeted pediat-
ric initiatives by 2025.IDA is most commonly seen in the following pediatric populations:
infant`s fed cow`s milk, toddlers fed large volumes of cow`s milk ,and menstruating

teenage girls not receiving supplemental iron .The second peak of IDA seen in teenagers
is primarily due to rapid growth often combined with poor dietary intake of iron .These
contributors may be compounded by menstrual blood loss in adolescent females. Iron is
an important component in the formation of hemoglobin; the protein found in red blood
cells necessary for oxygen transport. Anemia develops as iron stores are depleted.

Symptoms of Anemia:

Physical exam findings include pallor, bruising, weakness, and fatigue. Vital signs abnor-
malities such as tachycardia, hypotension, and hypoxia, may be present in severe cases of
anemia. IDA may also lead to cardiac and central nervous system abnormalities due to
poor oxygen transport to vital organs. IDA is associated with apathy, irritability and poor
concentration. Children and adolescents are at a greater risk of developing cognitive defi-
cits and poor school performance.

Diagnosis or Evaluation of Anemia:

The WHO defines anemia as a hemoglobin level below 130g/L in men,120g/L in women
and 110g/L in pregnant women and preschool children.

In adolescent females iron deficiency is considered present when the serum ferritin levels
is less than 12micrograms/Land transferrin saturation is less than 16%. Additionally, in
iron deficiency anemia, the serum hemoglobin level is less than 120g/L.

In view of the magnitude of this problem and the number risk factors involved, urgent and
systematic measures need to be taken to prevent and treat iron deficiency Anemia in ado-
lescence. Fortifying food with iron is the most effective measure for combatting iron defi-
ciency in adolescents.

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