How to Recognize the Signs and Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia Reporter Mitra Tarigan December 1, 2025 | 06:25 am TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – One of the frequently overlooked nutritional problems (silent disease) that significantly impacts the quality of life of children is iron deficiency anemia. This condition remains a serious challenge for Indonesia, particularly because anemia contributes to the high rate of stunting. The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey shows that 1 in 4 Indonesian children suffer from anemia. This is one of the underlying causes of delayed growth and brain development in children.Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the body lacks the iron needed to produce hemoglobin, an important protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. If left untreated, this condition can inhibit a child’s growth and development, lower their immune system, and affect their intelligence and learning performance.Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children According to Pediatric Specialist from RS Bethesda Yogyakarta, Devie Kristiani, the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are often unnoticed in the early stages. Children may appear pale, easily fatigued, lethargic, or less active. Other symptoms to watch out for include difficulty gaining weight, delayed growth, decreased appetite, and pica habits (eating non-food items such as soil or ice). “Iron deficiency anemia is not just a problem of low blood. This condition directly impacts nerve and brain development,” said Devie in a press release received by Tempo in late November 2025. Studies show that children with iron deficiency anemia have lower cognitive scores, psychomotor abilities, and concentration compared to children with sufficient iron levels. This influences their readiness to learn in school and their long-term academic performance. “Therefore, it is important for parents to ensure that their children receive sufficient iron starting from the exclusive breastfeeding period to fulfill their iron needs in the early stages of life,” said Devie.Iron deficiency in children is generally caused by a low iron diet, suboptimal iron absorption, or blood loss due to chronic infections. Certain groups of children are at higher risk, such as premature infants, children with mothers who had anemia during pregnancy, and children consuming low-iron complementary foods (MPASI).The Role of Innovation in PreventionMedical & Scientific Affairs Director of Sarihusada, Ray Wagiu Basrowi, emphasized the importance of innovation based on scientific research. His team completed a study on innovation and prevention methods. They also conducted research on the significantly increased iron absorption when combined with vitamin C. This combination supports iron absorption up to twice as much.”Research shows that Indonesian children aged 1-3 years who regularly consume 2 glasses of SGM Eksplor growth milk with IronC (combination of Iron and Vitamin C) per day, supported by a balanced nutritious daily diet, have been proven to meet their daily Iron intake according to nutritional adequacy levels (AKG),” said Medical & Scientific Affairs Director Sarihusada Ray Wagiu Basrowi.Ray promised to further develop the research focusing on improving the nutritional status of Indonesian children, including scientific publications on meeting iron needs and its impact on growth and development.In addition to product innovation and a commitment to ongoing research, Sarihusada also developed a digital tool called ‘Iron Calculator’ available through platforms such as Alfagift and the generasimaju.co.id website. This tool helps parents calculate their child’s daily iron needs and conduct early detection of iron deficiency anemia risks. “Early detection and intervention are key in preventing iron deficiency anemia. With proper nutrition, routine monitoring, and ongoing education, we can help Indonesian children grow up healthy and reach their maximum potential,” said Ray.Editor’s Choice: Can Iron Deficiency Sabotage Your Diet? Here’s What Science Says!Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News How to Recognize the Signs and Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia Reporter Mitra Tarigan December 1, 2025 | 06:25 am TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – One of the frequently overlooked nutritional problems (silent disease) that significantly impacts the quality of life of children is iron deficiency anemia. This condition remains a serious challenge for Indonesia, particularly because anemia contributes to the high rate of stunting. The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey shows that 1 in 4 Indonesian children suffer from anemia. This is one of the underlying causes of delayed growth and brain development in children.Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the body lacks the iron needed to produce hemoglobin, an important protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. If left untreated, this condition can inhibit a child’s growth and development, lower their immune system, and affect their intelligence and learning performance.Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children According to Pediatric Specialist from RS Bethesda Yogyakarta, Devie Kristiani, the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are often unnoticed in the early stages. How to Recognize the Signs and Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia Reporter Mitra Tarigan December 1, 2025 | 06:25 am TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – One of the frequently overlooked nutritional problems (silent disease) that significantly impacts the quality of life of children is iron deficiency anemia. This condition remains a serious challenge for Indonesia, particularly because anemia contributes to the high rate of stunting. The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey shows that 1 in 4 Indonesian children suffer from anemia. This is one of the underlying causes of delayed growth and brain development in children.Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the body lacks the iron needed to produce hemoglobin, an important protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. If left untreated, this condition can inhibit a child’s growth and development, lower their immune system, and affect their intelligence and learning performance.Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children According to Pediatric Specialist from RS Bethesda Yogyakarta, Devie Kristiani, the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are often unnoticed in the early stages.
Source: en.tempo.co
