COMPARING SUGAR CANE HONEY AND IRON SUPPLEMENTS FOR PREVENTING ANEMIA IN PRESCHOOLERS

Iron deficiency (ID) and anemia remain pressing public health concerns, affecting populations across both developed and developing nations. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 40% of preschool children are estimated to suffer from anemia, with this age group being particularly vulnerable due to their high iron requirements driven by rapid growth. Various risk factors contribute to iron deficiency anemia (IDA), including low birth weight, excessive cow's milk consumption, insufficient dietary iron intake, low socioeconomic status, and frequent infections, all of which can deplete iron stores and increase the likelihood of ID. Importantly, ID can lead to adverse consequences such as impaired cognitive performance, reduced physical endurance, and a heightened risk of infant mortality due to compromised immune function. In 2011, it was estimated that a staggering 273.2 million preschool-age children globally (42.6%) suffered from anemia, with 17.1 million (22.3%) in the Americas alone. A national study in Brazil further revealed that around one-fifth of children under five years of age grapple with anemia. This abstract underscores the persistence and far-reaching impact of ID and anemia, shedding light on the significance of addressing these health challenges on a global scale.