Anemia is a problem that has a significant impact on the health of children, but many parents do not pay attention to it. When their babies develop anemia, they are not detected in a timely manner until they undergo a physical examination or show severe anemia symptoms. However, at this point, the baby's health has already been compromised. So babies with anemia must not rely on "seeing it"
As we all know, human growth and development cannot do without the supply of various trace elements, and iron is even more essential in the process of baby development. Iron not only synthesizes hemoglobin and myoglobin, but is also an important element for the body's metabolism. Iron deficiency is one of the four major nutritional deficiencies in the world. The incidence rate of iron deficiency anemia in children in China is about 20%, and the incidence rate of iron deficiency anemia in children is higher, which seriously endangers children's health. It is one of the common diseases that children focus on prevention and treatment.
What are the clinical manifestations of anemia in babies? The most common symptom of iron deficiency anemia is: no symptoms. Infants or children with good nutritional status will only be found to have mild to moderate iron deficiency anemia during physical examinations. Babies with severe anemia may experience pale skin, drowsiness, irritability, and feeding difficulties. The diagnostic criteria established by WHO state that children aged 6 months to<6 years with hemoglobin (Hb) levels below 110g/L are diagnosed with anemia; The hemoglobin level of mild anemia is between 110-90, and the most common anemic populations are infants, young children, and pregnant women; Between 60-90 is moderate anemia; Between 30-60 is severe anemia; Less than 30 is considered extremely severe anemia.
So, why are babies prone to anemia? Most full-term babies only have enough iron reserves to last until 4-6 months, but as the baby grows and develops, their demand for iron also increases. If a baby does not consume iron rich complementary foods in a timely manner after adding them at the age of 6 months, or if the iron in the complementary foods is insufficient to further ensure that the baby obtains the iron necessary for normal development, it is easy to cause iron deficiency anemia.
The harm caused by anemia in babies is multifaceted. When the body experiences iron deficiency, it is generally divided into three stages:
Stage 1: Iron Reduction Period (ID), characterized by a decrease in serum ferritin without significant harmful physiological consequences;
Phase 2: Iron deficiency stage (IDE) of red blood cell production, characterized by decreased appetite, and the baby is prone to irritability and disinterest in their surroundings. Iron deficiency in infants under the age of two can impair their cognitive abilities, making it difficult to recover even after iron supplementation. The frightening aspect of iron deficiency in infancy is that it can lead to irreversible neurodevelopmental damage, and this effect can persist into adulthood;
The third stage: iron deficiency anemia (IDA), physical development is blocked, physical strength is reduced, and infectious diseases is easily suffered.
So, iron deficiency in babies is not something that is immediately lacking, it is a long-term process. Moreover, during the period of latent iron deficiency, parents cannot detect it. When you can really 'see' that your baby is iron deficient, the situation may already be quite serious. This requires parents to prevent their babies from iron deficiency in their daily lives.
How to scientifically prevent iron deficiency anemia in babies?
1. Eat more foods rich in iron: According to the "Reference Intake of Dietary Nutrients for Chinese Residents (2013)", the main sources of iron are black fungus, dried seaweed, sesame paste, duck blood, black sesame seeds, pig liver, mushrooms, beans, tofu skin, sea cucumber, shrimp, pig blood, etc. Regular intake of these foods reduces the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia.
2. Eat more foods that promote iron absorption: Vitamin C can promote iron absorption. Vitamin C is a strong reducing agent that can convert iron in food into absorbable ferrous. Kiwi fruit, citrus, orange, tomato and other fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C. (Must comply with national standards for infant and toddler food)
4. Breastfeeding is advocated, and lactating mothers should pay attention to consuming iron rich foods and correct anemia in a timely manner.
5. Develop good eating habits, pay attention to balanced nutrition when eating, and do not let babies develop picky eating habits.
6. Regular check ups: Regular hemoglobin testing is important, twice within 1 year of age (6 months, 12 months), and once a year after 1 year of age (2 years, 3 years), in order to detect and treat as early as possible.