Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia worldwide. Iron is hemoglobin in red blood cells, which is a necessary component to produce hemoglobin. Mainly stored in the body of hemoglobin, about one-third of iron is stored in the bone marrow, spleen and liver as ferritin and hemosiderin. However, if iron is not enough, hemoglobin can not be produced, which also leads to anemia because it can not produce red blood cells.
An essential nutrient that is crucial to the growth and development of children, it transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and helps muscle storage and oxygen use. However, iron deficiency in the body due to lack of iron in the diet can lead to iron deficiency is dangerous.
Iron deficiency anemia
All red blood cells in the body have iron in hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. Iron plays a role in providing hemoglobin with the ability to carry oxygen in the blood, which can be transmitted as needed.
However, iron deficiency anemia can occur if the baby fails to properly ingest iron and the production of hemoglobin protein is inadequate. Proteins also contain iron atoms, which bind to oxygen in the lungs and carry them to various somatic cells. However, low levels of protein can lead to iron deficiency anemia due to slower erythropoiesis.
Factors that cause iron deficiency in babies
1. Iron deficiency in the diet
Your baby will receive the necessary nutrients through breast milk for up to 6 months. After that, you should be able to consume iron-rich foods. If you continue breastfeeding or do not take iron-fortified foods, anemia may occur.
Iron is mainly obtained through the diet. However, only about 1 mg is consumed in every 10-20 mg of iron we ingest. Failure to maintain a balanced diet rich in iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia. This usually occurs at the age of 1 year, which is the main cause of dietary intake of milk above average and lack of iron.
2. Milk intake before 12 months
Babies who drink milk before the age of 12 months may have anemia even if they consume iron through other foods. This is because iron in milk is an unhealthy source, which prevents the body from fetching iron from other sources.
3. Early childbirth
Premature babies may not have enough iron at birth to increase the risk of anemia. About 85% of premature infants below about 1500 gm can get anemia.
4. Diabetic pregnant women
Women who do not properly cure diabetes are at greater risk of giving birth to children with anemia in the future. According to one study, babies born in about 65% of diabetic patients had a low iron content, and 25% had a very severe iron deficiency state that iron was not transmitted to the baby.
Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is often found during screening. Normally, babies are given a blood test to determine if they have anemia in their first year of life. In the case of premature babies with a relatively low iron content as described above, doctors may randomly screen them.
You may also consider the iron deficiency potential of a baby who looks tired or looks physically weak. At this time, parents can ask questions about their child's diet and growth, as well as blood tests to see if they have hemoglobin and iron content. Iron deficiency anemia is sometimes caused by gradual loss of a small amount of blood from the intestines. Stool tests may also be performed under the physician's judgment.
Treatment method
In general, iron deficiency infants should be treated with treatments to increase iron levels. Therefore, iron supplements should be taken on a daily basis, and changes in the composition of dietary composition or dietary composition containing iron should be required. However, this method alone does not provide enough treatment. In addition, excessive iron intake can cause other problems, so parents should consult their doctor before taking iron supplements to their babies.
Iron should also be taken in small quantities or on fasting. However, if you drink milk or caffeinated beverages, you should not take it because it is not well absorbed. On the other hand, foods containing a lot of orange juice or vitamin c are beneficial for iron absorption.
Increased iron intake can improve children's mood and appetite for a day or two. Hemoglobin levels also increase as blood forms red blood cells. Iron supplements usually take about 3 to 6 months to treat deficiency, but sometimes the longer the treatment period, the longer it may take. If no improvement is seen during this period, you will need to undergo blood tests again and discuss your plans with your doctor. Children with severe symptoms may require transfusion.
