Lack of iron in the blood can lead to iron deficiency anemia – a very common nutritional deficiency in Vietnam. It can be said that iron is an extremely important substance to help children have a healthy body, enhance the functioning of the brain and muscles. So, what should parents do when their child is anemic due to iron deficiency? In the following article, Amvipharm will help parents answer this question.

How is iron deficiency anemia understood?

To know what parents need to do when their child is anemic due to iron deficiency? First of all, parents need to understand what is iron deficiency anemia in their children? Every red blood cell in the body contains iron in its hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen to the body's tissues from the lungs. The iron inside the hemoglobin gives the hemoglobin the "power" to carry oxygen in the blood, from which oxygen is carried everywhere in the body.

If a child is anemic due to iron deficiency, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, thus producing very few red blood cells, which is called anemia. With anemia, the amount of oxygen reaching cells and tissues is very little, thereby affecting the functioning of the whole body.

 

Children with iron deficiency anemia will not be able to produce enough hemoglobin

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What causes iron deficiency anemia in children?

Newborns drink breast milk regularly, getting enough iron from the mother until they begin to eat other liquids and solid foods. If your baby is given iron-fortified formula, he or she will still get enough iron.

Toddlers can be at risk for anemia if they drink too much cow's milk and eat less iron-rich foods like red meat and green leafy vegetables. Older children are anorexic and do not eat enough iron-rich foods, and sometimes parents do not know how to give these foods to their children, which also leads to iron-deficiency anemia. in children.

In addition, adolescent boys experience very high levels of iron deficiency due to the rapid growth of puberty. Similarly, girls this age are also at greater risk of frequent iron deficiency because their bodies cannot store enough iron and often lose blood during menstruation.

What if my child is anemic due to iron deficiency?

What should parents do when their child is anemic due to iron deficiency? Ideally, parents should take their children to hospitals and clinics to have blood tests done. Babies need blood tests to see if they have anemia in the first few years of life.

 

Parents should supplement iron-rich foods

Children with iron-deficiency anemia also need to take iron tablets daily to make up for their iron levels. Parents should note that children should only take iron when they are hungry or have only eaten a little. Avoid giving iron tablets to children with milk or caffeinated beverages, as both strongly interfere with iron absorption. In addition, drinks such as orange juice and foods high in vitamin C can help iron be better absorbed.

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Hopefully, the information provided by Amvipharm has helped parents know what to do when their children are anemic due to iron deficiency? For more advice on information about effective iron supplements for young children, parents can contact Amvipharm for further advice.