One in three Malaysian children at risk of anemia
A health expert has pointed out that iron deficiency anaemia in children frequently goes underdiagnosed, as mild cases often present no noticeable symptoms.
SHAH ALAM - A new independent expert consensus has been established to enhance the screening and management of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in young children across Southeast Asia and India.
This initiative follows the alarming findings of the 2023 Iron Strong Study, which revealed that one in three Malaysian children is at risk of anaemia.
The consensus was created through a collaborative effort involving 28 clinicians specialising in paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, family medicine, and public health from Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and India.
University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine head, consultant paediatrician and consultant paediatric endocrinologist and associate professor Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin emphasised that the release of this expert consensus marks a major milestone in the management of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in children.
“By bringing together leading experts from the region, evidence-based recommendations have been established that can greatly benefit child health,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Supported by French multinational food-products corporation Danone, these experts independently formulated and reviewed the recommendations.
The resulting consensus offers 12 evidence-based guidelines designed to help healthcare practitioners and policymakers make informed decisions on the screening, prevention, and management of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in young children.
This effort showcases a truly independent, expert-driven initiative aimed at combating IDA and reinforces a shared commitment to advancing child health across Southeast Asia and India.
Danone Southeast Asia, SEA Medical & Nutritional Science Hub director Angie Low stated that alongside the expert consensus, Danone has also launched the online Iron Strong Screening Questionnaire to enhance efforts in identifying and addressing IDA.
“Danone remains committed to supporting these expert recommendations through our ongoing initiatives and partnerships.
“We're particularly focused on scaling up our non-invasive screening programs and providing our nutritional solutions to combat this critical health issue,” she added.
Multi-pronged approach to address childhood anaemia
Yazid also pointed out that IDA in children frequently goes underdiagnosed, as mild cases often present no noticeable symptoms.
“However, this undetected deficiency can significantly impact growth and even irreversible consequences on a child's brain development and future learning abilities,” he added.
The panel of experts has called for non-invasive anaemia screening to be conducted annually for all children aged 1 to 5, aiming to enhance early detection and management of IDA.
This approach highlighted the need for nutritional interventions, particularly through fortified foods and milk, to reduce the risk of IDA in children.
Educating parents and caregivers about the risks and prevention of IDA is also a key focus.
Despite the alarming prevalence of IDA among Malaysian children, national policies on routine screening and intervention remain insufficient.
However, screening is only one part of the solution.
A holistic approach is essential in tackling IDA in children, and the expert consensus emphasises the vital role of proper nutrition in both preventing and managing this condition.
Universiti Sains Malaysia, School of Health Sciences, Nutrition Programme, Professor Dr Hamid Jan stressed that effectively tackling IDA in children requires a multifaceted strategy that integrates early detection with robust nutritional interventions.
“Incorporating a variety of iron-rich foods into your children's diets, such as lean meats, poultry, beans or dark leafy vegetables like spinach, is an excellent source.
“Fortified milk and foods play an important role in ensuring adequate iron intake, especially for children who may have limited access to diverse diets,” he said.
He further revealed that combining iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods can greatly enhance iron absorption, making it more effective for children to fully benefit from their iron intake.
In response to the need for a holistic approach in addressing IDA, Danone has launched the Iron Strong Screening Questionnaire, an online self-assessment tool developed in collaboration with paediatric and nutrition experts.
This innovative, user-friendly tool empowers parents to evaluate their child's iron intake based on age and offers personalised guidance on incorporating iron-rich foods into their diet.
Danone's initiative is closely aligned with the government's Health White Paper, which stressed the importance of preventive health measures and multi-sector collaboration.
The White Paper calls for innovative solutions to tackle health challenges, particularly among vulnerable populations, mirroring Danone’s commitment to combating IDA in children.
As part of its One Health Agenda, Danone is expanding its efforts to improve anaemia screening and prevention by making the Iron Strong Screening Questionnaire accessible online and via QR codes for parents and caregivers.
Additionally, Danone’s Dugro Generasi Kuat Zat Besi nationwide roadshow offers free non-invasive anaemia screenings and nutritional education. Danone is also working with healthcare providers and the government to integrate non-invasive anaemia screening into routine child health check-ups.
In the meantime, delivering innovative and accessible iron-fortified formula products for children, Dugro features Iron Active, a unique blend of iron and vitamin C that aids in 3X absorption, along with DHA and 21 essential vitamins and minerals.
Consuming three glasses of Dugro daily provides 100 per cent of the recommended iron intake.
Yazid stressed that as the high prevalence of anaemia among Malaysian children continues to be revealed, the importance of early detection and intervention becomes undeniable.
He stated that the consensus aims to guide decision-making in the screening, management, and prevention of IDA in children by incorporating recommendations grounded in the latest clinical data and best practices.
“By addressing the risk factors early, particularly through nutritional education and routine screenings, we can mitigate the long-term impacts of anaemia on children's growth and brain development,” he added.
