Anemia is perceived by many as an adult disease.
Fatigue, headaches, pallor, we are all familiar with the phenomenon, but most of us do not know an important detail about it, and it concerns our children.
As one in seven children suffers from anemia, 15 percent of children suffer from it, and it is important to know that it has short-term effects, and also that it may cause future harm to our toddlers.
What is anemia in children and how is it formed?
"Anemia is a group of diseases associated with low hemoglobin levels or dysfunction of the red blood cells. Anemia can develop for several reasons, but when it comes to children, in most cases the anemia is due to iron deficiency. It is estimated that about 15% of babies in Israel suffer from the phenomenon," says D. Rabbi Moti Chaimi, an expert in pediatrics and hematology.
"Around the age of four months begins a period of increased risk of anemia because the iron stores in the body deplete. Iron drops should be continued daily according to the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and it is important to perform a routine blood test around 10 months and continue follow-up and treatment." Dr. Chaimi.
"Many people are unaware that teens are also at increased risk of developing anemia, especially girls, because the menstrual cycle causes blood loss and can adversely affect the level of iron in the body. In addition, many teens do not always eat healthy food, which includes enough. Iron every day. "
Nutritionist Effie Armen explains that turkey meat (especially red turkey) and beef are considered rich in iron, so it is recommended to include them in the menu to prevent anemia.
So is chicken and fish to some degree.
"There are also plant-rich foods from iron such as spinach, broccoli, parsley, sweet potatoes, tahini and oats, which contain a healthy amount of iron. However, the absorption of iron from a plant source in the body is less effective than its absorption from meat products, so it is important to combine these dishes." "Foods that contain vitamin C help to better absorb iron from plant sources."
"Various iron-containing drugs, intended for infants and children (such as Perifel drops or Perifel syrup), have been shown in clinical trials to improve iron levels in the blood, offer a fairly high absorption capacity and serve as an available source for iron body enrichment. Iron drops or iron-rich foods are recommended. Close to the consumption of foods rich in vitamin C, which is known to help the absorption of iron in the body. "
And what if the child suffers from constipation, is it possible to stop giving the iron?
"In infants, the digestive system still adapts to the new reality, and during the tasting period and thereafter deals with many new foods that may cause these and other symptoms. Constipation, then, is not necessarily always related to iron. You can start taking the iron in a low dose and increase the dose gradually until you reach the required dose in order to let the body get used to it gradually. "
Armen recommends that "you can also help the body by combining foods rich in dietary fiber that will help regular bowel movements like avocado, peas, lentils, quinoa and good fats like olive oil and almond butter."
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us
