by InspiredWritingResearch

Created on: March 03, 2009   Last Updated: March 13, 2009

Do we need to watch out for the symptoms and treatments of anemia for our children more in the credit crunch? Food prices are rising and many families are concerned about their weekly shopping baskets and are budgeting more carefully in these frugal times. But limiting the more expensive items such as red meat could have repercussions for child health, perhaps making kids more prone to anemia and diabetes. Symptoms that could suggest a person is becoming anemic include tiredness, sleepiness,lethargy,loss of energy,breathlessness and pale skin color.

Anemia is a reduced blood cell count resulting in inadequate haemoglobin levels. Red blood cells manufactured in bone marrow carry oxygen through the iron-rich blood stream. Without the iron from meat or green leafy vegetables enriching the hemoglobin, the red blood cells are unable to carry oxygen efficiently. Blood tests can reveal low red blood cell count.

Two factors contribute to the decision to reduce meat in our diets. Firstly, we are trying to encourage more healthy diets for our children. This can mean both reducing the junk food (such as burgers and fried chicken) which children like and reducing the amount of red meat in general. Secondly, many families are trying to reduce the effect of rising food prices by limiting the amount of red meat in their weekly shopping baskets. It is easy to miss symptoms of anemia resulting from such small diet changes.

But, almost imperceptibly, small changes can affect the RDA or recommended daily allowances of vital nutrients for children. Removing foods which they will actually eat without nagging, (such as burgers and fried chicken) is a good step towards greater health but only if vital elements such as iron are replaced in another form. This can be tricky to do with picky children, and yet it is important if we are to avoid health risks such as anemia, and the less pleasant treatments such as metallic-tasting iron pills.

Iron deficiency anemia symptoms can creep up on us as we lower the amounts of meat in our diets. This is not so serious for adults, but children do need to get their daily intake of iron or anemia can result without us noticing. The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia in children are usually mild and difficult to put a finger on but they can explain a lot.

Children who are anemic can become inexplicably weak, tired, or even breathless and pale. Lacking energy, they may lose interest in schoolwork as they become tired and sleepy. Dark rings under the eyes

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