Impact of Malnutrition on Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children

Review

Abstract

Malnutrition is a serious health issue, particularly in developing countries like Indonesia. It is characterized by inadequate nutritional intake, including iron, which plays a crucial role in hemoglobin formation. As a result, children suffering from malnutrition often experience iron deficiency anemia (IDA), negatively affecting their growth, development, and overall health. This study is to determine the impact of malnutrition on the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia in children through a literature review. This study employs a Literature Review method by reviewing relevant national and international journals from the last ten years. Data were collected through searches on Google Scholar, ResearchGate, NCBI, Pubmed, and ScienceDirect. Out of 10 screened journals, 4 met the inclusion criteria and were further analyzed. The  incidence of  iron  deficiency  anemia  in  children is greatly influenced by malnutrition. Children with inadequate nutritional intake, particularly iron, tend to have lower hemoglobin levels, leading to anemia. Additionally, low socioeconomic status limits access to nutritious food, further exacerbating the prevalence of anemia. A lack of family awareness regarding the importance of a balanced diet also contributes to the high rates of iron deficiency anemia in children. This condition can adversely affect physical growth, cognitive development, and increase the risk of infections in children. There is a significant relationship between malnutrition and the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in children. Low socioeconomic status and insufficient iron intake are the primary factors contributing to the high prevalence of anemia. Comprehensive nutritional interventions are crucial to preventing the long-term negative impacts on children's growth and development.