It is important to know what the causes are behind this iron deficiency in children in order to address the condition properly.
Common Causes of Pediatric Anemia
The following are the most common causes of anemia in children:
Low iron diet
The only way your child gets iron is by consuming it through food. But even with iron-rich food, only a small amount can be absorbed by their bodies.
Infancy is a crucial time for them to get enough iron, since the only way they can get nourished is through breastfeeding. Mothers with anemia may not have enough iron in their body, so even when they breastfeed regularly, their child will not get enough.
Breastfeeding is still the best milk for babies. The mother will need to be supplemented with iron, if she does not have enough iron in her body.
As for toddlers who are fussy-eaters, they will not be able to get enough iron if they eat iron rich foods like red meat and eggs. It is important to teach them to eat a balanced diet. If they only consume a small amount of meat or eggs per meal, try to feed them smaller meals throughout the day.
Aside from meat products, iron can also be found in plant products like dark green, leafy vegetables, beans and lentils, iron-fortified cereals, and tofu. With these options, you can pair up meats and plant products for an enriched meal that can encourage your child to eat.
Body changes
Children do not stay small for long, and they often experience growth spurts throughout their childhood. When this happens, their bodies will need more iron and other nutrients to sustain their growth. Thus, their diets must be adjusted.
If you notice that your children are showing signs of tiredness or fatigue, give them vitamins or supplements with iron to complement the meals that they eat.
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