New Delhi, May 20 (IANS). Keeping children healthy and active is the priority of every parent, but iron deficiency in the body can sometimes have a serious impact on the development of children. According to the National Health Mission, anemia in children under 2 years of age can affect brain development and learning ability. In such a situation, it is very important to give balanced and nutritious diet to children on time.
Health experts believe that providing proper nutrition in childhood improves the physical and mental development of children. At the same time, due to iron deficiency, children can become weak, lethargic and less active. Prolonged anemia can also have a negative impact on children’s memory, learning ability and mental development.
The National Health Mission (NHM) has advised to include iron-rich foods in the daily diet to prevent anemia in children. It includes foods like green leafy vegetables, pulses, gram, jaggery, pomegranate and dates. Apart from this, fruits rich in Vitamin C like orange, amla and lemon also help in increasing the absorption of iron in the body.
According to health experts, children should start giving complementary foods on time after the age of six months. Nutritious diet along with mother’s milk helps in providing essential nutrition to children. A balanced diet also strengthens the immunity of children and makes them healthier.
At the same time, NHM also said that children aged 6 to 59 months must be given supplementary doses of Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) syrup as per medical advice. It proves helpful in removing iron deficiency in children and preventing anemia.
Also, it is important to pay attention to children’s diet from the beginning, because with proper nutrition and regular care, children can be protected from problems like anemia.
–IANS
MT/DKP
