Özet:

Iron deficiency is characterised by depleted body stores of iron, resulting in anemia when hemoglobin can no longer be formed. Iron deficiency anemia is an important public health problem. Approximately half of the preschool children in Turkey are anemic. Iron deficiency can result from a variety of factors, including inadequate dietary intake, increased iron demand, iron loss and inadequate absorption of iron. Higher rates of breastfeeding until two years of age, regular consumption of iron rich meats and iron-fortified grain products help to insure adequate iron intake. In infants, iron deficiency anemia is associated with impaired mental and motor development. Infant with iron deficiency anemia are generally less active, unhappy, tense, fearful, withdrawn, less responsive and less goal-directed. This article examines the importance of iron on cognitive development and necessary suggestions will be made. Key words : Iron deficieny, preschool children, cognitive development*

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