Nutrient deficiency & breastfeeding for longer period cause anaemia among children

Sunday, 17 December 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN 

The prevalence of anaemia among children is attributed to various factors like nutrient deficiency because of the lack of a balanced diet, consumption of junk food and reliance on breastfeeding for an extended period. According to the information provided by the chief medical officer of Dehradun, there are approximately 861 children in the age group of five and nine years afflicted with anaemia in Dehradun. Plus, about 410 adolescent girls are suffering from the same disease.

In light of the data provided by the CMO, experts stressed on a proper balanced diet as the most effective means to combat anaemia.  

Speaking on the prevalence of anaemia, a pediatrician Dr Abinav Tomar said that cases of nutritional or malnutrition-related anaemia are spiking among children nowadays, though it has been a challenging and common disease among children for years. “The main cause of anaemia is the lack of a balanced diet. Parents lack awareness regarding the balance involving proteins and nutrition in their children’s meals and this is why the disease is still prevalent among children,” said Tomar.

He further said that lethargy, weakness and stunted growth are the primary symptoms shown by children who are afflicted with anaemia. “Blood transfusion may be required for the severe cases of anaemia. If we are a little aware of the balanced diet regimen, the spike in anaemia cases among children can be effectively arrested,” he added.

Another pediatrician based in the city Dr PS Rawat said that anaemia continues to be prevalent among children in the city due to the factors such as lack of balanced diets, prolonged breastfeeding and consumption of unhealthy food. “It is unfortunate that parents are not aware of what causes iron deficiency- the principal cause of the ailment in the children- and how to combat it. Besides, they are not being   adequately informed about which supplements they should incorporate into their children’s diets to keep them safe from the blood disorder,” he said.

Queried about the symptoms of anaemia in the children, he said that headaches and lethargy are the main symptoms. Anaemia impedes normal growth of children, he said and added that creating awareness among the parents about the importance of a properly balanced diet for their children is an imperative if this blood-related disease is to be effectively combated.