Iron deficiency in children lowers immunity and leads to developmental delays. How to recognize anemia? How is iron deficiency in a child treated? Doctor Komarovsky answers
Causes of iron deficiency in a child
The main source of iron for the body is food / istockphoto.com
The main cause of iron deficiency in children is an unbalanced diet. After all, this trace element enters the body mainly with food. Most of the iron is found in cereals (barley, wheat, oat, buckwheat), liver, red meat and green leafy vegetables. However, even from there, getting enough of it is not easy.
Nature has taken care of infants: every baby is born with a neonatal supply of iron, which is enough for him for 4-6 months. Up to a year, a child absorbs 70% of the iron contained in food from food. However, after a year, this figure drops sharply. It has been proven that children from one to 10 years old "take" from food only 10% of the iron that is in it. And after 10 years, this figure drops to 3%. Therefore, even the most "iron" diet does not guarantee a normal level of this trace element in the body.
Signs of iron deficiency in a child
Iron deficiency should be diagnosed by tests / istockphoto.com
The following signs can indirectly indicate an iron deficiency in the child's body:
- the child becomes lethargic and apathetic,
- his sleep is disturbed
- irritability increases,
- babies often cry for no reason, get tired quickly, it is difficult for them to concentrate and hold attention,
- older children may complain of headaches, ringing in the ears, and dizziness.
Externally iron deficient anemia manifests pallor of the skin, its peeling, brittle nails and hair. All this is a reason to be tested for the level of iron in the body. Usually this indicator is determined by a general and detailed biochemical blood test. Based on their results, the doctor may prescribe iron supplements for the child.
Remember that you cannot "prescribe" iron supplements to your baby on your own: there is a risk of oversaturation of the child's body with this microelement. An excess of iron is just as dangerous as a lack of it. It can cause digestive problems (constipation, bloating, nausea and vomiting), as well as liver changes, diabetes and heart problems.
How to take iron supplements
There may be side effects at the beginning of treatment / istockphoto.com
Iron deficiency is initially treated at home. Basically, doctors prescribe iron supplements or dietary supplements (iron supplements) to the child. Depending on the age of the baby, they can be in the form of drops, solutions, syrups or tablets. The child is not given any injections with iron at home.
Yevgeny Komarovsky warns that at the beginning of taking iron supplements, the child may experience adverse reactions. Most often it is nausea, abdominal pain, or constipation. To avoid this, it is worth starting the course of administration with a dose that is 2-4 times less than necessary. And gradually, over several weeks, bring the dosage to the desired level.
If you know your toddler is prone to constipation, start giving lactulose syrup one week before taking iron supplements. It gently regulates and "evens out" bowel function.
Give the drug to your child strictly according to the instructions: some supplements must be taken on an empty stomach, otherwise they will not be absorbed well. Please note that an empty stomach is not immediately before a meal, but at least an hour before a meal, emphasizes Evgeny Komarovsky. It is also very important to take your iron supplements at the same time.
Do not expect a quick effect from taking iron supplements: the level of hemoglobin in the blood will begin to rise no earlier than after 3-4 weeks. After this indicator returns to normal, continue treatment for another 2-3 months (in agreement with the doctor, you can take a reduced dose). This will help create a supply of iron in the child's body, explains Yevgeny Komarovsky.
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