Iron Deficiency Anaemia
This is the most common nutritional and haematologic disorder in infancy and chhildhood in developing countries. It is caused by lack of sufficient iron for the synthesis of haemoglobin.
Etiology
Iron deficiency anaemia results from inadequate diet, defective absorption andlor increased demands of iron. It is more common in twins, low birth weight babies, babies of high birth order and babies born to anaemic mothers. Late weaning, infections, particularly gastrointestinal, parasitic infestation, acute and chronic blood loss, recurrent diarrhoea, steatorrhoea and poor diet as a result of anorexia are important factors.