In the infant stage,
Iron is one of the most easily deficient trace elements.
Generally speaking, babies grow and develop quickly, and
have a greater demand for iron.
After 4-6 months of birth,
only breast milk and milk powder are available. Neither can meet the needs.
is prone to iron deficiency anemia,
but its early symptoms are not obvious.
Moms and dads must not be careless.
01
manifestations of iron deficiency anemia in babies
The symptoms of mild anemia are mild and difficult to detect. Generally speaking, children may have poor appetite, cold hands and feet, and are not active enough; older children may also suffer from symptoms such as lack of concentration and memory loss.
If the anemia is not treated when it is mild, the condition will further worsen, repeated respiratory tract infections are prone to occur, and even growth and development disorders may occur. Therefore, parents should pay more attention to observation in daily life. If they find the above symptoms, they should go to the hospital for examination in time.
02
baby Why is iron deficient?
☑Insufficient iron in the baby's body
The fetus obtains iron from the mother's body and stores it in the body for use after birth. This part of the "inventory" mainly comes from the end of pregnancy, with the largest amount in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Normal full-term babies have basically enough iron within 5 months after birth. However, if the mother suffers from severe iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy, the fetus is premature or twins are born, it may cause insufficient iron in the newborn's body.
☑ Insufficient iron intake
The iron content in breast milk and cow's milk is low. After 6 months of age, if the baby is fed with milk alone and does not add complementary foods containing more iron in time, iron deficiency will easily occur. sexual anemia .
☑ Faster growth and development
The faster the infant grows and develops, the greater the iron requirement, and the more likely it is for iron deficiency to occur.
☑ Increased iron consumption or loss
Iron deficiency anemia can also be caused by long-term diarrhea, short bowel syndrome, and other causes of iron absorption impairment.
03
The correct posture for supplementing iron to the baby
For mothers in the late pregnancy, they should ensure a sufficient intake of iron, especially those who are pregnant with twins or multiple fetuses, to ensure that the baby has enough iron at birth.
It is recommended that premature infants start supplementing with breast milk fortifier at the age of 2 weeks. Full-term infants are recommended to supplement iron supplements and at the age of 4 months and continue until the baby can meet the iron needs through food. At the same time, breastfeeding mothers should also Pay attention to iron supplements.
Add iron-rich foods in a timely manner. After 4 months, the baby's growth needs increase, and breast milk, formula milk, and the previously stored iron can no longer meet the needs. Therefore, at the age of 4-6 months, it is necessary to add iron-fortified rice noodles in time, and gradually add other iron-rich foods, such as egg yolks, pork liver, beef and mutton, etc. , and animal foods according to the baby's age, weight and other factors. Iron in food has a higher absorption rate than iron in plant foods, and the former can promote the absorption of iron in the latter and increase its absorption rate.
If a child does develop iron deficiency anemia, he or she needs to seek medical treatment promptly to find out the cause of the anemia and provide iron supplementation treatment under the guidance of a doctor. The course of treatment is usually maintained until about 2 months after the hemoglobin normalizes, and the minimum treatment time is 3 months.
Iron supplements should not be taken before meals (mainly referring to traditional ferrous sulfate, ferrous succinate, ferrous gluconate, etc.). It is best to take them between meals to reduce irritation to the gastric mucosa. While supplementing iron, you should consume foods rich in vitamin C to promote iron absorption, such as citrus, tomatoes, dark green vegetables, strawberries, etc. Do not take it with milk, coffee, tea, or eggs, as they will inhibit the absorption of iron.
Medicinal supplements are not as good as dietary supplements. Parents must help their babies establish reasonable eating habits so that they can grow into good babies without iron deficiency.
