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Health
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9 February 2024
Aprita L Ekanaru Official Writer
Anemia, a condition in which the body lacks healthy red blood cells, is a scourge on the health of Indonesian people, especially children under five. 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) data shows that 3 out of 10 toddlers in Indonesia suffer from anemia, with a prevalence of 48.1%. This figure is far above the WHO tolerance limit of 20%.
Iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia in toddlers. Iron plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body.
Iron deficiency can result in various negative impacts on toddlers, such as:
- Growth and development disorders, including stunting and delayed cognitive development.
- Decreased immune system, making toddlers more susceptible to disease.
- Fatigue and lack of energy, which can interfere with toddlers’ activities and learning.
- Changes in behavior, such as irritability and fussiness.
Factors that contribute to anemia in toddlers in Indonesia include:
- Inadequate iron intake. This can be caused by an unbalanced diet, lack of consumption of iron-rich foods, and exclusive breastfeeding without iron supplementation.
- Parasitic infections, such as hookworms and pinworms, which can interfere with iron absorption.
- Blood loss, such as due to menstruation in teenage girls.
Here are some steps that parents can take to help prevent anemia in toddlers:
- Give iron-rich foods to toddlers, such as red meat, liver, fish, eggs, nuts, and green vegetables.
- Make sure your toddler gets exclusive breast milk for the first 6 months and continue with giving MPASI which is rich in iron.
- Give iron supplementation to toddlers according to doctor’s recommendations.
- Keep the environment clean to prevent parasitic infections.
Anemia in toddlers is a serious health problem that can have long-term impacts. With joint efforts, we can prevent anemia and ensure that Indonesian toddlers have a bright future.
Source: Answers.com Page: 1
2024-02-09 03:34:07
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