Ibadan – A general physician, Dr Tosin Odusanmi, has called on parents to provide more iron-rich foods for their children to prevent them from developing a disorder called iron deficiency anaemia.
Odusanmi, who works for Ifetayo Hospital, Ibadan, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ibadan.
He said that children are at a crucial stage in their development and required good nutrition for healthy growth.
Odusanmi said that iron had been identified as one of the important nutrients required for growth and development.
“Iron is a mineral that babies and children need for good health and development. It plays an important role in muscle function, energy creation and brain development.
“As a result, a child with iron deficiency may have learning and behavioural problems and developmental delay,” he said.
He said that some of the symptoms of iron deficiency in children may include pale skin, weakness, slow cognitive development, increased risk of infections and difficulty in maintaining body temperature.
Odusanmi said that to prevent iron deficiency in children, proper care must be given to ensure a healthy balanced diet was given.
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He said that beef, liver, chicken, turkey, fish, vegetables and eggs were good sources of iron.
“Iron-fortified cereals, whole grain breads, enriched bread, pasta and rice are also rich on iron.
“To help the body absorb iron, combine these foods with good sources of vitamin C, such as oranges, tomatoes and red peppers,” he said. (NAN)