Anemia severa, arresto di crescita... e dintorni

Abstract

Iron deficiency is the most commonly detected nutritional disorder in childhood and at the same time the most frequent cause of anaemia worldwide. In most cases it can go unnoticed, because it causes subtle symptoms and signs. Iron plays a key role in many biochemical processes, including neurological development, oxygen transport and energy metabolism. Proper nutrition from birth and any iron supplementation are in most cases sufficient to prevent iron deficiency anaemia. However, in rural or mountain areas, in cases of maternal hypogalease, boiled cow and/or goat milk are often preferred to formula milks, which are considered healthier. In many cases the intervention by the paediatrician allows families to be directed towards the correct management of the infant but in a context such as the pandemic one some situations may easily get out of control.