Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency disease in children
Taboada, H.; Donoso, J.M.
Revista Chilena de Pediatria 49(1-6): 131-138
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0370-4106 PMID: 390648 Document Number: 4276
1. This article presents an analysis of the biological function of iron in oxygen transport (Ve-HB), the oxygen reserve of the muscles (Fe-Mioglobin), the transference of electrons and oxide-reductions in general (Fe-enzymes). In other words, the role played by iron in mithochondrial respiration, energetic metabolism, protein and nucleic acid synthesis and cell mitosis. 2. The nutritional requirements of iron and iron deficiency in infancy are quantified. In our country, this problem causes anemia in about 20 to 40% of the infants in their second year of life; iron deficiency in more [han 75% of the infants, in 25% of pre-school and in 20% of school children. 3. The damage produced by iron deficiency in physical and mental health is emphasized. This damage is referred to as ferropenic disease, stressing that besides iron deficiencyanemia, other important symptoms such as malnutrition, static-dynamic and psycho-pedagogic retardation, immunodeficiency, gastrointestinal and respiratory pathology appear. All of these bring about a vicious circle that increases iron deprivation and leads to physical and psychological damage contributing to the prevalent causes of infant morbidity and mortality in out country. 4. This study is an attempt to motivate pediatricians, emphasizing the excellent results achieved in the prevention and treatment of this disease; and pointing out the group of infants that are exposed to this disease and the measures to be taken in each age group. An intake of 1 to 2 mg/per per/day kg (with a maximum dose of 1520 mg per day) is highly recommended.
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