Anaemia in Children: Why Iron Supplementation Matters
Anaemia is one of the most common nutritional problems affecting children in India. It can affect a child's energy, attention, learning, growth and overall development. The good news is that many cases of childhood anaemia are preventable, particularly when adequate nutrition and appropriate iron supplementation are provided at the right age.
According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5, 2019–21), 67.1% of children aged 6–59 months in India were found to be anaemic. This means that approximately two out of every three young children were affected.
Why is iron important?
Iron is essential for making haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Young children have high nutritional requirements because they are growing rapidly, and inadequate iron intake can contribute to iron deficiency and anaemia.
Children may not always show obvious symptoms in the early stages. Some may appear tired or irritable, have reduced appetite or concentration, or show poor growth. Therefore, prevention and appropriate screening are important rather than waiting for symptoms to become obvious.
Iron supplementation under Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
The Government of India's Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) Abhiyan includes age-specific Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation as an important component of anaemia prevention.
For children, the recommended supplementation schedule includes:
6–59 months: Iron-folic acid drops twice a week, as per the prescribed dose and formulation.
5–9 years: Weekly IFA tablet containing 45 mg elemental iron + 400 µg folic acid : pink tablet.
10–19 years: Weekly IFA tablet containing 60 mg elemental iron + 500 µg folic acid : blue tablet.
The exact formulation and programme schedule should always be followed according to the current Government of India/Anemia Mukt Bharat guidelines and the advice of the child's healthcare provider.
Nutrition remains equally important
IFA supplementation is only one part of anaemia prevention. Children should also receive a balanced diet containing iron-rich foods, along with adequate protein and other essential micronutrients.
Good dietary sources of iron include green leafy vegetables, pulses and legumes, millets, nuts and seeds, eggs and meat where appropriate. Vitamin-C-rich foods can help improve absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
A message for parents
Anaemia prevention starts early.
Don't wait until a child looks pale or tired before thinking about iron. Regular age-appropriate supplementation, a nutritious diet, appropriate deworming and timely screening can all contribute to reducing the burden of anaemia in children.
If you are unsure whether your child needs iron supplementation, consult your pediatrician rather than starting an iron preparation on your own.
This article is intended for parent education and is based on the Government of India's Anemia Mukt Bharat programme. Supplementation should follow the applicable national guidelines and the child's individual clinical needs.
Dr Neerupam Gupta
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