HALF the children tested in an area of Bolton were found to have iron deficiencies because of poor diets.

Bolton health visitors are blaming it on the sugary snacks and convenience food they eat.

A lack of iron leads to anaemia and tiredness.

A study, carried out by health visiting staff at Pikes Lane Health Centre in Deane, tested 123 children under the age of four who visited the centre for routine appointments for six months from August to January.

Of those, 66 children had anaemia. Two of the children were dangerously low in iron and were taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital immediately for dietary advice and tests.

Public Health Practitioner at Bolton Primary Care Trust Brenda Griffiths said: "This is all down to poor nutrition; with children eating processed food and sweets rather than a balanced diet.

"There is a real concern for us and Bolton children seem to follow national statistics that show 50 per cent of children in deprived areas and ethnic communities are anaemic. That doesn't mean to say it is only in those areas because it is not uncommon in more affluent areas.

"We want to expand the opportunistic screening programme to other areas because there are many children in Bolton who will be anaemic and their parents will not know.

"There is a high prevalence of snack and convenience foods with not enough iron in them.

"Parents should limit snacking between meals so that their child is hungry at mealtimes and wants to eat a meal."

If a child is pale, often tired and has a history of being a little miserable, they are likely to have anaemia.

If the problem is not addressed through a varied diet, it can lead to developmental delays and behavioural problems.

A survey carried out by SMA Progress has revealed just five per cent of mums know iron is important for brain development and just under a fifth know vitamin C assists iron absorption.

More than a third, 35 per cent, fail to include iron-rich leafy green vegetables like spinach and broccoli in their toddler's diet more than twice a week while seven per cent say they never serve these vegetables.

Factfile:

By the age of six months, children's iron stores are becoming depleted

To maintain them, a variety of iron rich foods need to be included in the diet such as red meat, pulses, eggs, green leafy vegetables, dried fruit and cereals

Food and drinks rich in Vitamin C aid iron absorption so drinking diluted fruit juices with a meal is a good idea

Breast milk or iron fortified baby milk should remain the main milk drink until the age of one

Breast milk means iron is better absorbed than infant formula and follow-on milks

Tea and wheat products such as chapattis or pitta bread adversely affect iron absorption