16 percent of adolescents suffer from iron deficiency

Unilateral diet: Many adolescents in Germany suffer from iron deficiency

07/15/2012

The Professional Association of Paediatricians (BVKJ) has pointed out the importance of iron for the healthy development of children and adolescents. According to the results of the HELENA study, around sixteen percent of adolescents are under-supplied with iron and are therefore at risk for health, the BVKJ warns.

According to the BVKJ, there is "an increased demand for iron", especially in the growth phases of teenage years, because "in boys, muscle mass and blood volume increase significantly in a short period of time, while girls lose additional iron as a result of the menstrual period." Therefore, the results of "Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence "(HELENA) study quite alarming. In addition, a recent study published in the journal "PNAS" not only confirmed the importance of iron for the development of the nervous system, but also found that iron deficiency in the growth phase affects long-term brain structures and "is associated with cognitive impairment."

Unilateral diet leads to iron deficiency
According to the experts, the cause of iron deficiency in adolescents is usually a one-sided, unhealthy diet. Many adolescents, but also their parents, are apparently unaware of the importance of iron for their health. According to the Association of Paediatricians, for example, iron takes over essential functions in the blood formation and the oxygen supply of the organs. Also "various metabolic processes take place with the help of iron," continues the BVKJ. In addition, the study published in the journal "PNAS" () indicates that "in the long term, iron deficiency in adolescents has a negative effect on the brain structure," says the Association of Pediatricians.

Adolescents with an increased iron deficiency risk
Professor Hans-Jürgen Nentwich of the BVJK explained that "fatigue, paleness, fatigue, loss of appetite, brittle fingernails and hair, torn corners of the mouth and brittle lips" are typical symptoms of iron deficiency. In addition, make "iron deficiency more susceptible to infections," so that common diseases are sometimes considered to be indicative of an iron deficit. Furthermore, "the brain or memory performance could worsen," explained Prof. Nentwich. According to the BVKJ, there is an increased risk of iron deficiency in adolescents who "eat vegetarian or one-sidedly (eg fast food or predominantly dairy products), exercise a lot, suffer from certain chronic inflammatory bowel diseases or food intolerances such as gluten intolerance or congenital malfunctions of iron utilization." A possible existing iron deficiency can be seen relatively easily with the help of a blood test at the pediatrician.

Diet change in iron deficiency
If an iron deficiency is detected during the examination, a change of diet is usually necessary. "If necessary, dietary supplements also help to rebuild a supply in the body," explained Prof. Nentwich. For example, meat, green leafy vegetables, beetroot, watercress, fish, eggs, wholegrain cereals, legumes and nuts are recommended as high-iron foods, according to the BVKJ. In addition, lettuce is also recommended by nutrition experts because of its high iron content in iron deficiency. (Fp)

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