Iron Deficiency Argument Essay

When it comes to today’s youth, health is becoming an increasing concern. One can argue that a child’s health ultimately starts in utero and the basis of one’s choices as an adult begins during childhood. “Among children in the developing world, iron is the most common single-nutrient deficiency” (Baker & Greer, 2010). Many factors play into a child’s health including social and personal determinants and those who children spend time with including parents and educators. First, let us look at nutritional deficits and social determinants. “Anemia caused by an inadequate supply of dietary iron is the most prevalent nutritional disorder in the United States and the most preventable mineral disturbance” (Perry, Hockenberry, Lowdermilk & Wilson, 2014). Iron deficiency anemia is easily preventable in the fact that for a child, typically prevention comes in the form of dietary intake. According to Perry et al. (2014), in the third trimester of pregnancy, iron that is transferred to the fetus from the mother is stored and on average, is sufficient in a full term infant to last 5 to 6 months, and only 2-3 months in a preterm infant. After this time, iron should be supplemented. Toddlers on the other hand can be at risk of …show more content…
“Schools should ensure that only nutritious and appealing foods and beverages are provided in school cafeterias, vending machines, snack bars, school stores, and other venues that offer food and beverages to students. In addition, nutrition education should be part of a comprehensive school health education curriculum” (CDC, 2015). Some schools, not all, have implemented more standardized guidelines of nutrition throughout the school day. A few of the standards for foods and beverages in schools as identified by CDC (2009) are to not use beverages or foods as a discipline or reward for academic performance, and to offer water at no charge throughout the school day to