Iron Deficiency Anemia in Toddlers and Growing Children | Pineville Pediatrics | Ballantyne Pediatri

Iron Deficiency Anemia in Toddlers and Growing Children

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Anemia

When someone suffers from anemia, the number of red blood cells (RBCs) decreases below normal levels. Hemoglobin is a fundamental component of RBCs and a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Anemia is a common concern among parents since it is a health problem in children. Low levels of iron are the most common cause of anemia. When red blood cells or hemoglobin levels are below normal in children, they will need medical treatment with iron.

Many parents are vegetarians, but they must consider that meat is vital as a source of iron. In the same way, there are other iron-rich foods such as spinach, oysters, chicken, turkey, beans, dried fruit (raisins and apricots), and others.

Breast Milk Likewise, while breastfed babies absorb iron from breast milk, they could need iron added (ironfortified) complements to balance their diet.

Iron Sources On the other hand, your baby or Milk with a small amount of iron does not meet the needs of a growing child.

When children drink too much milk, they risk filling up on liquid and consuming less solid food.

growing children can obtain iron through two forms: heme and nonheme iron. Heme iron comes from animal foods and is derived from hemoglobin (red meats, fish, and poultry). On the other hand, nonheme iron usually comes from plant sources (beans, lentils, and spinach).

Pica, A Behavioral Condition Some children can develop a behavior called “pica� that consists of an appetite for non-foods such as paper, ice, dirt, cardboard, and other materials. This issue causes constipation, as well as anemia. However, pica can be stopped if the anemia is treated with iron supplements.

Prevention According to experts, you can prevent anemia in many ways.

First, when the baby is breastfed, you can provide him an adequate supply of iron until at least 4 months of age. Avoid low-iron formula because it can result in iron-deficiency anemia. Likewise, take into account that cow milk is low in iron and hinders proper nutrition. Finally, do not forget to ask your professional pediatrician on Pineville pediatrics or Ballantyne pediatrician about foods best suited for this purpose.

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