What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia in children and what should they eat

Children need a lot of nutrients during their growth, so they must have a balanced diet to avoid malnutrition. If the diet lacks iron for a long time, it will cause anemia. So what are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia in children and what should they eat?

Causes of iron deficiency anemia in children

1. Bad eating habits: The most common cause of anemia is bad eating habits and lack of essential nutrients, especially iron, which leads to iron deficiency in the body and the blood cannot effectively carry oxygen and nutrients.

2. Caused by rapid growth: Sometimes when a child is growing rapidly, the nutrients they need increase, which causes iron deficiency in the body and leads to iron deficiency anemia.

3. Caused by blood loss: If the child's organs have long-term and slow bleeding symptoms, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, this situation will also lead to iron deficiency in the child and cause anemia.

4. Unable to absorb iron: Some children’s bodies are unable to absorb iron, such as those with gastrointestinal diseases, chronic diarrhea, lack of stomach acid, or taking too many antacids, all of which will affect the absorption of iron.

5. Growing children: All babies have iron stored in their bodies when they are born, but because they grow very rapidly in the first few years of their lives, they need additional iron to support their activities.

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children

1. Symptoms of anemia in children: Common symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, irritability, decreased appetite, headache, pale skin, bloody stools, etc., but the symptoms of mild anemia are very subtle, so it is often not diagnosed.

2. Treatment of anemia in children: The best treatment is to increase the iron content by taking foods rich in iron, or taking iron tablets to supplement. Vitamin C is also needed to help iron absorption.

3. Foods rich in iron: Common foods high in iron include almonds, raisins, spinach, eggs, fish, chicken, liver, tuna, etc. Mothers can let children with anemia consume more of these foods.

The dangers of iron deficiency anemia in children

1. Reduced cognitive function: Iron deficiency anemia can reduce children's cognitive ability and physical development, so children with long-term iron deficiency are likely to develop poorly and be unable to learn smoothly.

2. Difficulties in learning: If children have symptoms of anemia, they will not be able to concentrate, which will cause obstacles in learning and low alertness, affecting their academic performance in school.

3. It can cause lead poisoning: Children with iron deficiency anemia can easily cause lead poisoning, which is a very serious health problem, so be sure to supplement your children with sufficient iron to prevent the occurrence of anemia.