Question

what is the statement of iron

Answer 1

ferrous it means iron and iron means ferrous that is fe

Answer 2

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. In Canada, there has not been a national study of iron deficiency in infants and children for more than 30 years, when the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was reported to be approximately 19% (1). Since then, there have been several small studies (2–11) targeting different Canadian population groups (Table 1). The prevalence of iron deficiency in these studies ranges from approximately 12% to 64%, and iron deficiency anemia from 1.5% to 79%. According to the WHO, the prevalence of anemia should be less than 5% and is defined as a mild public health problem if the prevalence is 5% to 19.9%, a moderate problem if the prevalence is 20% to 39.9% and a severe problem when the prevalence is 40.0% or greater (12). Therefore, by definition, there are populations in Canada in which iron deficiency anemia is indeed a public health problem.



Summary of studies on iron deficiency in infants and young children in Canada

Iron is a vital micronutrient that is used by every cell and organ system in the body. It has been found to act as a cofactor in many enzymatic reactions at the cellular level, and affects neurotransmitter production and function, hormone function and DNA replication (13,14). Deficiency of iron, therefore, results in the disruption of normal cell and organ function. The most clinically obvious consequence of iron deficiency is anemia; however, virtually every organ system is affected. Some important consequences of iron deficiency in young children include changes in cognitive and behavioural performance, impairment of physical growth and immune function, and even death (14). There are also more recently described neurological consequences of iron deficiency in children (15). Canadian work has demonstrated an association between iron deficiency and paediatric stroke (ischemic and thrombotic) (16–18). The most recent case-control study (18) found that children who have had a stroke were 10 times more likely to be iron deficient. Breath-holding spells (19) and febrile seizures (20–23) have also been associated with iron deficiency.

Of great concern is the fact that several studies have demonstrated psychomotor delay and behavioural abnormalities in infants and children with iron deficiency. In a review (24) of published literature examining the relationship between iron deficiency and neurodevelopment, the authors concluded that causation was difficult to ascertain in children younger than two years of age, given the lack of developmental improvement in infants who were treated with iron. Some argue that the lack of improvement indicates that socioeconomic factors are causing both the iron deficiency and developmental problems; hence, the reason why the changes are irreversible with iron therapy. Others, however, argue that it is indeed iron deficiency that is responsible for the developmental changes. This notion is supported by work in the basic sciences that has demonstrated the irreversible effects of iron deficiency on the developing brain in animal models (13). Thus, iron supplementation does not result in clinical improvement in infants because the effects of iron deficiency on the developing brain are irreversible.

This review (24) also describes a larger body of evidence in children older than two years of age that demonstrates that iron-deficient children usually have worse cognitive function than their peers, which improves with iron therapy. This is helpful in demonstrating causation, and also suggests that the long-term outcome for children who become iron deficient at an older age is better, given the reversible nature of their cognitive difficulties with treatment. In summary, the authors concluded that iron deficiency and anemia in infants and young children are markers for developmental delay.

Given the negative impact of iron deficiency on child health, what is the current recommendation for screening in Canadian children? In 1979, the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination concluded that screening for iron deficiency was not required for infants as part of routine care (25). This was based on the assumption that only infants with severe anemia would benefit from iron therapy. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care revised these recommendations in 1994