Child Not Eating and Not Gaining Weight? Iron Deficiency Could Be the Reason

Dr. Sandip Gupta

Does your child not feel hungry? Is their weight not increasing? The reason could be iron deficiency in the child. How common it is: According to a survey, 32% of children in India have iron deficiency, and more than 50% of children have anaemia. What it causes: Because of iron deficiency children do not eat food. Their growth also gets stalled, their immunity becomes weak, and they get cognitive impairment, meaning delay in learning things. What to do: If your child is not eating food, definitely talk to your pediatrician. To prevent iron deficiency, definitely start iron supplementation for the child after 6 months. If you take care at a government centre, iron syrup is given twice a week to children from 6 months to 5 years under the government's Anemia Mukt Bharat programme — do take that. Along with this, do de-worming for children from time to time. To know details about de-worming, comment "de-worming". Relevant for: parents whose child has poor appetite or is not gaining weight; parents asking whether iron deficiency causes loss of appetite in children; parents concerned about anaemia, weak immunity, stalled growth or learning delays; parents asking when to start iron supplementation for a baby; parents wanting to know about the Anemia Mukt Bharat programme and free iron syrup at government centres; and parents asking about de-worming for children. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician before starting iron supplements or de-worming, and for any concern about your child's appetite, weight or growth.