Doctors point out that most patients with iron deficiency anemia have no obvious symptoms. However, as the severity of anemia increases, symptoms such as fatigue and loss of appetite may occur; the picture shows the situation. (Picture taken from shutterstock)
Luo Bi/Copy Editor
[Health Channel/Comprehensive Report]Iron is very important to the body and is also an indispensable element for the development of the central nervous system. Pediatrician Wu Biyu pointed out that in addition to causing anemia in children, iron deficiency can also affect neurocognition, developmental delay, and reduce immunity. She gave treatment guidelines, such as infants and young children should start to add supplementary foods rich in iron and zinc when they are 4 to 6 months old; if they have not started eating supplementary foods after 4 months, it is recommended to supplement oral iron every day.
Wu Biyu posted an article on the Facebook fan page “Wu Biyu Pediatrician” and pointed out that iron is involved in the production of red blood cells, as well as in the production of energy, oxygen transportation and DNA synthesis in the body, and is an important element of the body. In addition to causing anemia in children, iron deficiency can also affect neurocognitive development, delay development, and even reduce immunity and make them susceptible to infection.
2 major groups are prone to iron deficiency
Wu Biyu pointed out that infants and young girls are the two groups that are more susceptible to iron deficiency, as follows:
●Infants and young children:The mother will continue to transport iron to the fetus during the third trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, before the baby is 6 months old, the baby can use the iron stored in the body to supply the needs for growth and development; after the baby is 6 months old, if the baby continues to drink completely Breast milk without the timely addition of supplementary foods or iron supplements will lead to the risk of iron deficiency anemia.
●Adolescent young girls:Teenagers usually suffer from iron deficiency anemia due to heavy menstrual flow and long-term loss of iron. Some teenagers may also develop iron deficiency anemia due to dieting for fear of gaining weight. Rare conditions such as peptic tract ulcers and Helicobacter pylori infection may also occur.
A look at the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia in children
Wu Biyu said that most children with iron deficiency anemia have no obvious symptoms. The most common symptom is pallor. Parts that are easier to identify as pale include the conjunctiva, nails, and palms. As the severity of anemia increases, patients may experience fatigue, loss of appetite, decreased concentration, wheezing, rapid heartbeat, heart murmur, or heart enlargement.
Supplementing iron-containing non-staple foods and iron supplements can help improve
Wu Biyu recommends that infants and young children start to add supplementary foods rich in iron and zinc when they are 4 to 6 months old. If they have not started eating supplementary foods after 4 months, it is recommended to supplement oral iron at 1 mg per kilogram every day; for infants under 12 months old, Premature infants need at least 2 milligrams of iron per kilogram per day; if they are breastfed, supplementation can begin before they are 1 month old until they start using iron-rich formula or starting to eat solid food.
She mentioned that oral iron supplements are recommended to be taken between meals and with fruits or juices high in vitamin C to increase iron absorption. It should not be used on an empty stomach to avoid abdominal pain. Usually, anemia will gradually improve within 1 month after taking iron supplements regularly. After the blood test value becomes normal, it is still necessary to continue taking iron supplements for another 2 to 3 months before the body’s iron storage capacity returns to normal.
Doctors point out that when supplementing oral iron, it is recommended to take it between meals and with fruits or juices high in vitamin C to facilitate iron absorption; the picture is a schematic diagram. (File photo)
Foods containing tannins may affect iron absorption
Wu Biyu said that iron in food can be divided into divalent iron (animal source) and trivalent iron (plant source). Divalent iron is easier to be absorbed by the intestines, while trivalent iron is easier to be absorbed by tannic acid. If possible, animal sources are preferred. Because tannins interfere with iron absorption, avoid eating iron-containing foods with dairy products, tea, and coffee.
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