Prevention tips for iron-deficiency anemia in children

Iron is a nutrient that is vital to a child's growth and development, but some children do not have enough of it. Find out what causes iron-deficiency anemia in children, how to identify it, and how to prevent it.

Why is iron important for iron-deficiency anemia children?

Iron helps move oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body and helps muscles store and use oxygen. If your child's diet is lacking in iron, he or she may develop a condition called iron-deficiency anemia.

Iron-deficiency anemia in children is a common problem. It can occur at many levels, from mild iron-deficiency anemia all the way to iron deficiency anemia - a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells in the blood. Untreated iron-deficiency anemia can affect a child's growth and development.

How much iron do iron-deficiency anemia children need?

Babies are born with iron stored in their bodies, but need a steady supply of additional iron to promote rapid growth and development in children. Here is a guide to iron requirements for different age groups

AGE	HEMOGLOBIN (G PER DL)		HEMATOCRIT (%)		MEAN CORPUSCULAR VOLUME (FL)
	MEAN	2 SDS BELOW MEAN	MEAN	2 SDS BELOW MEAN	MEAN	2 SDS BELOW MEAN
26 to 30 weeks' gestation	13.4	11.0	41.5	34.9	118.2	106.7
28 weeks' gestation	14.5	NA	45	NA	120	NA
32 weeks' gestation	15.0	NA	47	NA	118	NA
Full term (cord sample)	16.5	13.5	51	42	108	98
1 to 3 days	18.5	14.5	56	45	108	95
2 weeks	16.6	13.4	53	41	105	88
1 month	13.9	10.7	44	33	101	91
2 months	11.2	9.4	35	28	95	84
6 months	12.6	11.1	36	31	76	68
6 months to 2 years	12.0	10.5	36	33	78	70
2 to 6 years	12.5	11.5	37	34	81	75
6 to 12 years	13.5	11.5	40	35	86	77
12 to 18 years (male)	14.5	13.0	43	36	88	78
12 to 18 years (female)	14.0	12.0	41	37	90	78
Adult (male)	15.5	13.5	47	41	90	80
Adult (female)	14.0	12.0	41	36	90	80

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Who is at risk for iron-deficiency anemia?

Infants and children at highest risk for iron-deficiency anemia include:

• Infants born prematurely or with low birth weight
• Infants who drink cow's or goat's milk before 1 year of age
• Breastfed infants who do not receive iron-containing supplemental foods after 6 months of age
• Infants who drink formula that is not fortified with iron
• Children 1 to 5 years of age who drink more than 24 ounces (710 mL) of cow, goat or soy milk per day
• Children with certain health conditions, such as chronic infections or restricted diets
• Children who have been exposed to lead
• Children who do not eat enough iron-rich foods
• Children who are overweight or obese
• Adolescent girls are also at higher risk of iron-deficiency anemia because their bodies lose iron during menstruation.

What are the signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia in children?

Too little iron can impair a child's ability to function. However, most signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia in children do not appear until iron-deficiency anemia occurs. If your child has risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia, discuss them with his or her doctor.

Signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia may include:

• Pale skin
• Fatigue
• Cold hands and feet
• Slow growth and development
• Loss of appetite
• Abnormal rapid breathing
• Behavioral problems
• Frequent infections
• Abnormal cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt, paint or starch

How can I prevent the development of iron-deficiency anemia in children?

If you feed your baby iron-fortified formula, he or she is likely already getting the recommended quality of iron. If you are breastfeeding your baby, discuss iron supplementation with your baby's doctor. Iron supplements may be iron drops provided in specific doses or iron included in vitamin supplements.

Here are some general recommendations :

• Full-term infants. Start your baby's iron supplementation at 4 months of age. Continue giving your baby supplements until he or she is eating two or more servings of iron-rich foods such as iron-fortified cereals or mashed meats each day. Stop supplementing your baby if you breastfeed and give him or her iron-fortified formula and most of your baby's feedings come from formula.
• Premature babies. Start your baby's iron supplementation at 2 weeks of age. Continue giving your baby supplements until 1 year of age. Stop supplementing your baby if you are breastfeeding and feeding your baby fortified formula and most of your baby's feedings are from formula.

Other steps you can take to prevent iron deficiency include:

• Offer iron-rich foods. When you start your baby on solid foods (usually between 4 months and 6 months) offer foods with added iron, such as iron-fortified baby cereals, mashed meats and mashed beans. For older children, good sources of iron include red meat, chicken, fish, beans and spinach.
• Do not overconsume milk. Between the ages of 1 and 5, do not allow your child to drink more than 24 ounces (710 ml) of milk per day.
• Enhance absorption. Vitamin C helps promote the absorption of iron in the diet. You can help your child absorb iron by offering foods rich in vitamin C-such as citrus fruits, cantaloupe, strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes, and dark green vegetables.

Should I have my child screened for iron-deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia are usually diagnosed through blood tests. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants be screened for iron-deficiency anemia beginning between 9 months and 12 months of age, and at a later age for those with risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia. Depending on the results of the screening, your child's doctor may recommend oral iron supplements or a daily multivitamin, or further testing.

Many children will resist going to the hospital for testing, however, so using a hemoglobin meter is a good option.

Anemia test kit-Hemoglobin Meter BHM-101 can be used easily and quickly to determine levels of red blood cells, test anemia.

A small blood sample obtained by a small prick of the finger is required to measure red blood cell levels. The test kits contain all the instruments needed to draw one drop of blood safely at home or anywhere. This great item can benefit you below :

See also:

1. Anemia treatment

2. What Is Blood Test For Iron Called?

3. 2022 Best Home Hemoglobin Meter Buyers Guide

4. Can I take anemia tests at home?

5. How to choose the at-home kidney test？

6. What main factors influence the hemoglobin test for results?

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