Nutrition and Growth

Supporting Information

Anaemia – a lack of iron – can impair physical and mental development. Symptoms of anaemia include paleness of the tongue, the palms of the hands and the inside of the lips, tiredness and breathlessness. Anaemia is the most common nutritional disorder in the world.

• Even mild anaemia in infants and young children can impair intellectual development.
• Anaemia in children under two years of age may cause problems with coordination and balance, and the child may appear withdrawn and hesitant. This can limit the child's ability to interact and may hinder intellectual development.

Anaemia in pregnancy increases the severity of haemorrhage and the risk of infection during birth and is therefore a significant cause of maternal mortality. Infants born to anaemic mothers often suffer from low birthweight and anaemia. Iron supplements for pregnant women protect both women and their babies.

Iron is found in liver, lean meats, eggs and pulses. Fortifying foods with iron also prevents anaemia.

Malaria and hookworm can cause or worsen anaemia.

• Malaria can be prevented by sleeping under a mosquito net that has been treated with a recommended insecticide.
• Children living in areas where worms are highly endemic should be treated two to three times a year with a recommended antihelminthic medication. Good hygiene practices prevent worms. Children should not play near the latrine, should wash their hands often and should wear shoes to prevent worm infestations.