There was a time when a “case of the sniffles” was the least of our concerns. But with COVID still on the loose, every aaaachooooo is met with a temperature check and a good dousing of hand sanitizer and Lysol.
Take that COVID!
But as we get ready for Flu season, we need to prepare for a double whammy of germy invaders.
And that’s where our super-duper immune system comes in! By keeping our immune system strong, we’ll be prepared to fight off the bad guys.
Which makes us wonder — what about our kiddo’s immune system? Is it strong? Especially when dealing with anemia and the immune system.
Now, it’s no surprise that many kids have what we call a “refined palate.” And our little food critics don’t usually like the healthy stuff.
But when we leave out Mr. Broccoli and Ms. Celery, we end up with nutrient deficiencies that weaken our immune response!
So let’s take a look at those deficiencies.
Main Mineral Deficiency in Children
When we talk about nutrient deficiencies, there’s one that gets the most attention: Iron Deficiency.
It’s the main deficiency in children not only in the US but worldwide. And do you know how we become deficient?
If you guessed “from our diet,” then you’re right! The common cause (although not the only one) of Iron Deficiency comes from a diet low in iron.
Iron Deficiency and our Immune System
Okay, so let’s say we’re iron deficient. What does that mean for our bodies?
And to answer that question, we have to take a look at what iron does.
Iron has many important jobs, like delivering oxygen to our little one’s growing muscles and brain!
And based on what studies show:
Iron is a fundamental element of the immune system and its deficiency affects the ability to have an adequate immune response.
This means that iron deficiency not only impacts our mental and physical performance but our immune system too!
Which is BIG DEAL here in the time of COVID.
But there is a silver lining.
These studies cite that the children who had a weakened immune response were not just iron deficient, but had Iron Anemia — which you can think of as the next level of Iron Deficiency.
It’s when the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells!
Now if your little one has already been diagnosed with Anemia, then you may wanna pick up a children’s iron supplement to boost those iron levels.
Signs & Risk Factors of Iron Deficiency & Anemia
There are 7 Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency you’ll wanna keep an eye on. As well as risk factors that could make your kiddo prone to Iron Anemia. Here are a few of those risk factors in children:
- Being born premature or at a low birth weight
- Certain health conditions, especially ones that require a restrictive diet
- Not eating enough iron-rich foods
Treating Iron Deficiency
If you think your kiddo may be iron deficient or anemic, then adding in foods rich in iron for kids is a great option.
However, if you’re still concerned, or if you have a picky eater, then a kid’s iron supplement goes a long way! Especially if your little has been diagnosed with iron anemia.
When looking for an iron supplement for kids, remember to pick one that’s gentle on the tummy like Renzo’s Iron Strong. Renzo’s uses a special form of iron that’s absorbed more steadily than cheaper forms — making it super gentle on little tummies.
And, we can’t help but brag, but our vitamins are so yummy they pass the Picky Eater Taste Test!
Check Out Renzo’s Vitamins to stock up on the vitamins for Picky Eaters.