IroNext Syrup

1. IRONEXT SYRUP

2. Iron deficiency for pregnant women At least two of five of pregnant women in Tamil Nadu have anaemia, shows data from pregnancy infant cohort monitoring evaluation. The bigger concern is that some women, particularly from lower income groups, do not seem to bounce back from the deficiency despite government efforts to identify them early and prescribe free drugs. It is primarily because despite popping the pills, their meagre meals are unable to provide adequate micro nutrients that are needed to absorb iron in the medicine, shows a recent analysis by a team of experts comprising health officials, gynaecologists, paediatricians and dieticians. Anaemia increases risk of abortion, premature delivery and still birth. At least one third of maternal deaths in TN are estimated to be triggered by it. During pregnancy the body needs more iron to make more blood for the fetus and a deficiency is a red flag.

3. Diet for most women in lower socioeconomic groups is rice thrice a day. “There aren’t enough vegetables, fruit, greens, eggs, fish or milk on their plates. Inadequate, protein, for instance leads to inadequate amino acids. And without enough amino acids iron absorption is poor,” she said. In addition, most of these women also have stomach infections that prevent absorption. Many women also skip the pills because of misinformation and misconceptions. Women have told doctors and social workers in primary health centres that iron causes acidity. “Some women fear the medicine will darken the skin tone of their baby,”

4. Iron supplements for kids Before you start googling ‘iron supplements for kids’ it’s important to understand how iron deficiencies affect kids, what the signs are, and how to find the best iron supplement for your little one. Iron deficiency doesn’t just affect adults, children too, can be iron deficient or anemic. Iron allows red blood cells to deliver oxygen to the body. Iron plays a key role in brain and muscle function. A lack of iron in your child’s blood can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which is a common nutritional deficiency in children. Because Iron is key for muscle and brain development, an iron deficient child could have behavioural and/or learning difficulties and problems.

5. What are the symptoms of anemia in a child? Here are the symptoms you should be watching out for tiredness and weakness • pale skin, especially around the hands, nails, and eyelids • rapid heartbeat or a heart murmur • Irritability • low appetite • dizziness or feeling light-headed • Inability to concentrate or focus • Possible behaviour problems that can’t be explained or linked to anything else If one or more of these problems are affecting your little one, the next step would be to see your doctor or pediatrician for a blood test. Specifically, ask a healthcare practitioner to test for ferritin and hemoglobin and have your practitioner evaluate the results.  The only way to know for sure if your child has an iron deficiency or anemia is to have them do a blood test. BEFORE introducing an iron supplement in your child’s daily routine: • Get your child’s blood tested first • Wait for a health care practitioner to confirm they are deficient and need to take an iron supplement

6. Vitamin D supplementation can protect your respiratory tract Studies show that people with optimal vitamin D concentrations are less likely to experience the common cold and other respiratory tract infections than those with low vitamin D. In a systematic review of randomized control trials (the gold standard of tests), vitamin D supplementation appeared to protect individuals from acute respiratory tract infections (aka the common cold). This was especially true for people who started out deficient in vitamin D from the onset. Furthermore, upper respiratory tract  infections were found to be inversely associated with serum (blood) levels of vitamin D that is, as your levels go down, your chance of infection goes up.