3 tips for your baby to supplement iron and prevent iron deficiency anemia

Infants and young children are very prone to iron deficiency anemia due to their special metabolic characteristics. It is understood that the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in children under 5 years old is extremely high. What are the causes of anemia in babies? What can babies eat to prevent iron deficiency anemia?

5 reasons that may cause iron deficiency anemia in babies

He Liya, chief of pediatrics at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, pointed out that the main reasons for babies' iron deficiency are as follows:

1. Congenital iron deficiency: including premature birth, multiple births, fetal blood loss, severe iron deficiency in pregnant mothers, etc., may cause iron deficiency in babies;

2. Insufficient iron intake: This is mainly because the baby does not promptly supplement iron-fortified food or iron supplements during the food transition period;

3. Too fast growth and development: Some babies have fast weight and blood volume growth, and their hemoglobin needs to be increased, but the iron supplemented by food cannot meet their needs;

4. Iron absorption disorder: unreasonable food combination, chronic intestinal diseases, etc. may cause iron absorption disorder in babies;

5. Abnormal loss of iron: Certain diseases can cause long-term chronic blood loss in babies, resulting in iron deficiency, such as milk allergy, polyps, hookworms and other diseases.

How to prevent iron deficiency anemia in babies

1. Breastfeeding:

Because breast milk contains high iron content, reaching 0.5mg/100g, and the absorption rate of breast milk iron is as high as 49-70%, breastfeeding can ensure iron intake. It is recommended that mothers breastfeed their babies as much as possible. In addition, premature babies should start taking iron supplements 2 months after birth. It is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible and not to take supplements on your own.

2. Add complementary food reasonably:

To prevent iron deficiency anemia in babies, it is necessary to ensure adequate iron intake, introduce iron-fortified foods in a timely manner, and balance the diet. After the baby is 6 months old, iron-containing complementary foods should be added in time, including iron-containing rice noodles, meat paste, fish paste, etc. For babies who are no longer breastfed, they need a balanced diet and eat more iron-rich foods, such as milk, animal liver, fish, meat, spinach, fungus, tofu, etc.

3. Eat more fruits:

Vitamin C, dilute hydrochloric acid, fructose, amino acids, etc. help convert Fe3+ into Fe2+, so eating more fruits can also help babies absorb iron.