Early signs of iron deficiency in children

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Iron-deficiency anemia in children is often included in the list of common nutritional anemias, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries, including Vietnam. Although the level and frequency of iron deficiency anemia in our country has decreased compared to the past, the prevalence of this disease in children is still quite high. The article will provide more information to help you understand and recognize iron deficiency anemia early to have a timely treatment plan.

1. Iron and its function in the body

Iron is known in the group of micronutrients quite important for the development of the body. The function of iron helps transport oxygen in the blood and also plays an important role in the brain development of children. Moreover, during pregnancy, adequate iron and folic acid supplementation can help the fetus to be healthy and develop normally. According to the results of the national micronutrient survey, the rate of children under 5 years of age with anemia accounted for 27.8%. In which, there are about 42.7% to 45% of children from 6 to 24 months old. And the rate of iron deficiency anemia is quite high for children under 5 years old.
The main role of iron in the body: iron and protein combine to form hemoglobin, which has the function of transporting CO2 during respiration. In addition, iron also helps protect the body from infections and infections because iron can participate in the composition of an enzyme in the immune system and help convert beta carotene compounds into vitamin A. In addition, iron is also involved in the production of collagen, which helps to bind different tissues in the body. In the case of iron deficiency, the body may experience iron deficiency anemia. For the fetus, anemia often causes premature birth and has a high risk of neonatal death. The cause of nutritional anemia in infants is often due to anemia of the mother, leading to low iron stores in the baby's body, not enough to meet the body's growth and development needs. Therefore, during pregnancy, mothers need to ensure that the daily iron supply is sufficient according to the body's needs of the mother and baby, the iron content may need more than 1000mg or can use 60 grams of elemental iron daily. However, for women who are not pregnant, it is also necessary to ensure the iron content according to the needs because women have monthly menstrual cycles, if not meeting the iron content according to the needs, it can lead to anemia. iron deficiency anemia.

2. Young children - who are susceptible to iron deficiency anemia

When a baby is born, breast milk is the only source of milk that provides iron for the baby. However, the iron content in breast milk is not high, but this iron component is quite easy for the baby's body to absorb. Therefore, the baby can completely absorb all the iron in breast milk. In addition, iron also helps create red blood cells, if the baby does not get enough iron through breastfeeding, it can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Because in the first years of life, a child's growth and development is very fast and the iron content provided to the child also needs more. Iron is also necessary for the growth of organ tissues as well as the volume of red blood cells for children. And iron needs can be calculated for children about 1kg body weight or higher than normal people. Iron content in the amount of food can provide for children is quite small. With foods of animal origin such as meat, eggs, liver, fish, shrimp, iron is also abundant in plant-based foods such as beans and peas. But the iron content in foods of animal origin will be of higher quality and easier to absorb than the iron in beans. In addition to iron supplementation, vitamin C is needed to help iron absorb maximum into the body. Vitamin C is abundant in dark green leafy vegetables along with ripe fruits. Using vitamin C helps the body absorb iron in the best way.

3. Signs of iron deficiency anemia in children

Signs of iron deficiency anemia in children can be easily seen on clinical examination with pale skin, tired and weak faces. Especially if in the early stages of iron deficiency, the signs of iron deficiency in children can appear gradually, and can even be quite difficult to detect. However, if you compare the baby with other children of the same age, the mother can easily recognize the signs of an iron deficiency with slow movements or paler skin than usual.
In addition, signs of iron deficiency in children can also be expressed with loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping or sleeping less or not sleeping well, making the baby fussy and fussy. Most children will perform movements more slowly than other children such as slow to sit, slow to walk, slow to stand, children's limbs are not firm...
Children may show signs of muscle pain body, bone pain. In the case of children with severe anemia, the child's hair may become gray and lose a lot of hair.
If a mother detects that her child has one of the above-mentioned signs, it is necessary to go to the doctor to detect the disease early and have a timely treatment plan, helping the child avoid serious complications affecting health. well as child development.
If a baby has iron deficiency anemia, it can put the baby at high risk for one of the following:
The baby is born prematurely and has a low birth weight. For normal children, when born, they have been provided with enough iron stores for a long period of accumulation of the pregnancy cycle. However, this iron content is only enough to provide babies for 6 months. But for babies born prematurely or with low birth weight, it is possible that their iron supply has been depleted before that, making them even more susceptible to iron deficiency. Babies who consume only cow's milk can If the iron content is not enough to meet the needs of the baby, moreover, ingredients in milk can interfere with the ability to absorb iron from other iron-rich food sources. In addition, cow's milk can cause skin irritation so in the first years of your life you should avoid using it for babies and in case of use should choose the optimal milk including breast milk. The diet is poor in iron. Iron in the body or other nutrients are absorbed by the body through foods used daily. If iron deficiency in children develops, it may be due to the child's diet poor in iron or the use of unhealthy foods that interfere with the supply and absorption of iron. During the growth period, iron requirements increase quite high. Because at this time, in addition to performing the natural growth function, the lizard also participates in the production of red blood cells. During this time, not getting enough iron can make children more susceptible to iron deficiency anemia. Abnormal activity of the gastrointestinal tract, which is considered the site of iron absorption, can be affected and affect iron absorption. For example, gastrointestinal surgery can make it harder for iron to be absorbed by the body. Blood loss can be caused by many causes and also causes anemia if not treated promptly, such as an accident or gastrointestinal bleeding.

4. Treatment and prevention of iron deficiency in children

In all cases, iron deficiency in children can be treated with daily iron supplements, either through the diet or can be supplemented with iron as prescribed and prescribed by the doctor.
By using iron-rich foods in daily meals, children can be fully provided with iron needs for the body. And need to store enough iron for the body to need at least 6 months.
In the process of iron supplementation for children, parents should note: iron supplements should be used in an empty stomach, this will help iron absorb best, or avoid using iron with Milk can reduce the ability to absorb iron, or use foods rich in vitamin C to help increase iron absorption into the body...
To prevent iron deficiency anemia in children, mothers can give them to children. breast milk or iron-fortified formula. Iron in breast milk is easily absorbed by babies under 1 year of age. Therefore, mothers should breastfeed their babies for at least 18 months. Besides, mothers can apply a diet with foods with rich iron content to provide iron for the baby's needs. Or in case the child needs to be supplemented with iron as prescribed by the doctor, the mother needs to comply and periodically examine the child to understand the child's situation.
Pediatrics Department at Vinmec is one of the few multi-specialty hospitals with a full range of doctors specializing in neurology, cardiology, gastroenterology, nutrition, psychology, endocrinology, hepatology, helping to handle it quickly and in a timely manner. when diseases are discovered during the examination. As a key area of ​​Vinmec Medical system, Pediatrics Department always brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts with:
Gathering a team of leading pediatricians: including leading experts with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctorates, masters), experienced, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. Doctors All are well-trained, professional, with a mind - range, understanding young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.

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