Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the common nutritional deficiency in clinical practice, mainly due to insufficient synthesis of hemoglobin (Hb) due to iron deficiency, causing anemia mainly characterized by reduced serum protein and low pigmentation anemia in small cells.
In my country, the high incidence of IDA is 6 to 24 months of children. 6 to 24 months is the period of excessive breast milk to complementary food, and it is also the golden period for children's physical, intellectual and neuropsychological development. If you do not pay attention to supplementing foods rich in iron, it is very likely to lead to iron deficiency and then develop into IDA.
1. A large number of studies have shown that IDA can have serious adverse effects on children's intelligence and behavior, and this impact will be irreversible after iron supplementation.
1. Effect on children's intelligent development: Early childhood is a period of rapid brain development. If iron deficiency occurs during this period, it will have an irreversible impact on their intelligent development. Several studies have shown that iron deficiency can affect children's intelligent development and have adverse effects on their energy areas such as adaptability, language, personal social interaction, and exercise.
2. Impact on children's motor function: From animal models to human studies, IDA can lead to general reduction in intelligence, abnormal movement (including activity level and coordination ability), slow reaction speed, slow emotional and social interaction, and reduced learning and memory ability. These abnormal changes can be sustained into adulthood.
3. Impact on children’s adaptive behavior: Studies have found that compared with non-IDA children, IDA is more slow to respond, not focused enough, poor observation, and has poor alertness and exploration of the new environment.
4. Impact on children’s personal social and language: related research shows that there is a significant correlation between the degree of iron deficiency and social behavior abnormalities. Compared with children with sufficient iron, IDA children are more difficult to appease and lack enthusiasm and durability for social participation. Iron deficiency children can also lead to interruption in learning, decreased cognitive ability and changes in social behavior.
2. How should children of different ages supplement iron scientifically?
①0~6 months of age: In the first few months after , the iron required by babies mainly comes from accumulation before birth. Baby premature birth , low weight birth, or anemia during pregnancy, will increase the risk of iron deficiency after birth.
babies born prematurely or at low weight may need to supplement iron under the guidance of a doctor. Healthy and full-term babies can breastfeed as needed. If they cannot breastfeed, infant formula should be chosen.
②6~12 months of age: After reaches 6 months of age, the iron stored in the baby's body is constantly consumed to decrease. If the iron intake cannot be increased in time through reasonable feeding, iron deficiency may occur. Therefore, to supplement iron for babies aged 6-12 months, the first thing to do is to add complementary foods in time.
When adding complementary food to your baby, pay attention to including ingredients rich in iron. For example, the initial complementary foods can choose iron-fortified rice paste instead of homemade ordinary rice paste. Once the baby starts to eat complementary foods, various meats can be introduced early, especially red meat such as beef, mutton, pork, etc. Meat is rich in iron and can be introduced early, as long as it is ensured that the traits meet the baby's swallowing ability. For example, at the beginning it was a meat paste, which gradually thickened to minced meat, and by the age of one year, it was a soft and rotten piece of meat.
③1~5 years old: Improper diet is the main reason for iron deficiency in children in this age group. For example, the intake of large amounts of milk or other dairy products may itself affect the absorption of iron. Therefore, children after the age of one year should be careful not to drink too much milk, and ensuring 500 ml per day is enough.
In order to prevent iron deficiency, children are encouraged to eat iron-rich meat at least 3-4 times a week, including beef, mutton, pork, chicken, and salmon and other seafood containing iron and low mercury.
In addition, children can also obtain some iron elements through other foods, such as tofu, various beans, lentils, , green leafy vegetables, and iron-enhanced foods, including iron-enhanced children's cereals, iron-enhanced bread, etc. However, compared with animal-derived iron, plant-derived iron is relatively difficult to absorb.
3. Children of different ages can prevent iron supplementation by taking iron supplementation
Functional characteristics of various oral iron supplements
① Ferrous sulfate : 20% iron content
Recommended reason: can be used for both iron deficiency anemia with clear causes and can supplement B vitamins. The routine dose for adults is given orally once a day, with one tablet each time, and the course of treatment is 4 to 6 weeks.
② ferrous gluconate : iron content 12%
Recommended reason: is used for iron deficiency anemia caused by various reasons, especially iron deficiency anemia during the growth and development of children.
③ Dextran iron : The iron content is 27%~30%
Drug features: Dextran iron is a third-generation oral iron agent, with iron complexes and dextran as the main components. It is a soluble iron element. After the drug enters the human body, iron dextran can effectively supplement the iron element needed in the patient's blood, which is conducive to alleviating clinical symptoms.
Recommended reason: dosage form has dispersed tablets, which have good solubility. A small amount of warm water can dissolve quickly, with a good taste and no irritating odor. It is especially suitable for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children and is easy to take.
Children who have already developed iron deficiency symptoms can no longer rely on dietary supplements to alleviate iron deficiency. They should supplement iron with appropriate iron, but the more iron supplements should also be appropriate. The better ~
Reference materials:
[1] Gao Wei'an, Huang Lieping, Wu Jinhua. Research on the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in infants and young children and its impact on the development of intelligent behavior [J]. China Maternal and Child Health, 2019, 34(22): 5201-5204.
[2] Gao Xiangying. Research on the intelligent development, temperament and behavior of children with iron deficiency anemia in Lanzhou for 6 to 24 months [D]. Lanzhou University, 2021.
