[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”30px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/kidstarnutrients.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/mother-daughter-doctor-checkup.jpg” alt=”young girl with her mother as a smiling doctor performs a checkup on the girl” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|on||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
By Caitlyn Vanderhaeghe, B.A., B.Ed.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Iron is an essential mineral that is needed by our bodies to create red blood cells and supply oxygen to every cell. Iron’s important role in brain development makes it especially important for babies and children.<\/a><\/p>\n Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, and Canada is no exception. Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia can cause serious health issues such as lowered immunity, brain abnormalities, and behavioural problems.<\/p>\n Symptoms of low iron<\/a> can be difficult to spot, especially in newborns and babies. By the time symptoms show up, iron is already deficient and can cause health problems for your child. An iron test can help to confirm an iron deficiency.<\/p>\n If you know you had low iron or anemia during pregnancy, then it is important to monitor your baby\u2019s iron levels to ensure they do not have low iron or are suffering from iron-deficiency anemia.<\/p>\n The following six symptoms are good indicators that your child may be iron deficient and needs an iron supplement.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you suspect your child has low iron, make an appointment with your physician. The doctor may recommend iron testing.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-5px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A complete blood count (CBC) test will check the levels of red and white blood cells including hematocrit, platelets, and hemoglobin. A CBC blood test will also check the size of red blood cells. In those with iron-deficiency anemia, the red blood cells are typically smaller than those found in people who are not anemic.<\/p>\n Testing hemoglobin alone is not ideal as it will only show iron deficiency anemia, which occurs long after iron deficiency has begun. Therefore it is important to get ferritin levels checked as well. The ferritin test measures the level of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is the protein that stores iron in the body. If ferritin levels are low, then it means the body\u2019s iron reserves are very low.<\/p>\n Below is an example of what your child’s test results may look like. Results may vary depending on where you live and the types of tests ordered by your doctor.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/kidstarnutrients.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Hematology-Profile.jpg” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text content_tablet=”” content_phone=”<\/p>\n Ferritin is the protein that stores iron in the body. ” content_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_text_color=”#e63888″ text_font_size=”24px” header_3_text_color=”#e63888″ text_orientation=”center” custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” border_width_top=”3px” border_color_top=”#e63888″ border_width_bottom=”3px” border_color_bottom=”#e63888″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ferritin is the protein that stores iron in the body. If ferritin levels are low, then it means the body\u2019s iron reserves are very low.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text ul_type=”none” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”||||||||” ul_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Some parents may not want to have their child\u2019s iron levels tested because they are afraid of needles or do not want to subject their child to a painful experience. The truth is, the lasting consequences of an untreated iron deficiency are far worse than a trip to the doctor and a needle prick. The faster an iron deficiency is addressed, the less the child\u2019s long-term health will suffer.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Understandably your child may be afraid or nervous about getting a blood sample taken especially if you also have a fear of blood tests.\u00a0 To ensure a good experience, adopt some of the following recommendations:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Some blood tests can be completed by a simple finger prick, but if more than one test is required, your child will have blood drawn from his or her vein, most commonly from the arm.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Your child may experience some pain and discomfort when the blood is drawn, like a sharp prick, and there may be some slight bruising and tenderness at the site for a day or two afterward. You can ask your health care provider or call ahead to the testing lab to see if a numbing patch is available. Apply 10 minutes prior to the blood test to prevent pain from occurring. To reduce bruising ensure you apply firm finger pressure to the site for a few minutes or so after the blood is drawn. Bruising happens when blood leaks from the vein that was punctured for the blood test to the tissue under the skin.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/kidstarnutrients.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/child-blood-test-analysis.jpg” alt=”child with a strap around her upper arm, waiting for a blood sample to be taken” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you live close to a children\u2019s hospital check to see if they have an outpatient lab. The lab technicians routinely work with children and are very experienced at taking blood from children making the experience less traumatic. Call ahead and speak with a technician if you have a child with any special needs to ensure that there is someone there to help you and your child.<\/p>\n If you do not live near a children\u2019s hospital, contact your nearest lab (for example, LifeLabs) and ask if they have someone who works with children and book an appointment with them.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/kidstarnutrients.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/girl-koala-toy-stethoscope.jpg” alt=”young child playing with a koala bear stuffie and toy doctor’s equipment including plastic stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and syringe” _builder_version=”4.16″ border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Results usually take two business days or less. Depending on the age of the child and your location you may be able to view your results online. Ask the lab prior to your appointment in case you need to sign up to receive online results.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n All test results will be provided alongside a reference interval (previously known as range of normal). Some reference ranges may be very broad. This is true with iron testing, as the reference range is quite large for hemoglobin and ferritin. Many people will start to see symptoms of low iron and iron deficiency long before a test diagnoses them with anemia.<\/p>\n The ranges will let you know if your child is anemic, however non-anemic iron deficiency, which is much more common, is also a serious health problem and can cause lasting issues, especially in the very young.<\/p>\n Because our current reference ranges are so broad, it means by the time your child is at the low end of the range they have been suffering from low iron for some time.<\/p>\n As stated in\u00a0The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition<\/em>\u00a0(Volume 106, Issue suppl_6, December 2017), the early stages of an iron deficiency are concerning and the goal should be prevention, instead of trying to correct the issue after the fact.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”|-80px||-97px|false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cFirst, anemia is the final state in iron depletion. Thus, the developing brain is already iron deficient when iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed owing to the prioritization of available iron to red blood cells over all other tissues during negative iron balance in development. Second, brain iron deficiency, independently of iron deficiency anemia, is responsible for long-term neurological deficits. Thus, starting iron treatment after the onset of iron deficiency anemia is less effective than prevention.\u201d<\/p>\n American Journal of Clinical Nutrition<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The lower your child\u2019s ferritin levels, even when they are within the normal reference range, the more likely they are to be deficient. If your child\u2019s iron test result shows a deficiency, iron supplementation is required, as well as a diet with adequate iron intake<\/a>. Ideally, have your child return for testing every three months until iron levels are optimal.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The BC guidelines regarding ferritin levels are as follows:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text content_tablet=”<\/p>\nThe Top 6 Symptoms of Low Iron in Toddlers and Children<\/h3>\n
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Common Blood Tests for Low Iron<\/h3>\n
Did You Know?<\/h3>\n
If ferritin levels are low, then it means the body\u2019s iron reserves are very low.<\/p>\nDid You Know?<\/h3>\n
The Pros Outweigh the Cons of Testing Children\u2019s Iron
How to Support your Child if They Need a Blood Test<\/h3>\n
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How a Blood Test is Done<\/h3>\n
Pain and Discomfort During the Test<\/h3>\n
Where to Take Your Child for the Test<\/h3>\n
Waiting for Results<\/h3>\n
Reading Your Results<\/h3>\n
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