Anemia In Babies: Causes, Manifestations And Possible Treatments – You Are Parents

Anemia is the decrease in the amount of red blood cells in the blood. It also occurs when hemoglobin, a red-colored protein responsible for carrying oxygen, is below normal values ​​for the age of the affected person. In the case of anemia in babies, it is essential to pay attention to specific considerations.

Causes of anemia in babies

According to what the Argentinian Pediatric Society tells us, “there are various types of anemia, but the most common all over the world, and especially in children, is what is called iron deficiency anemia, or anemia caused by lack of iron, the appearance of which is generally due to diets containing little animal and vegetable protein : red and white meats, green vegetables and legumes ”.

There are certain periods in life which – according to the same source – make some people more vulnerable to anemia. This is the first year of life, adolescence and pregnancy. Basically, anemia can be explained by rapid degeneration of red blood cells or a lot of blood loss. Or by the fact that the bone marrow does not produce enough erythrocytes or red blood cells.

At the same time, in very premature newborns, the decrease in the number of red blood cells may be greater. Anemia of prematurity more commonly affects children whose gestational age – the time spent in the womb after fertilization of the egg – is less than 32 weeks. But also those who were hospitalized for several days.

do not forget

It is important to stress that anemia in babies, along with undiagnosed iron deficiency, are serious problems that can affect a child’s development and life. This can indeed have an impact on brain activity and cognitive ability. The latter includes language development, motor development and coordination.

Without this implying being overly worried about the subject, it is very important to speak with the professionals responsible for preserving the health of a child to avoid the onset of anemia.

Treatment of anemia in babies

Once it is known that the cause of anemia is iron deficiency, treatment consists of its administration : in drops, syrup or tablets, depending on the age of the patient. The pediatrician will determine the correct dose and the duration of treatment for each patient, which usually is at least 3 months.

Self-administration of medication without the advice of the pediatrician is never recommended ; here, in this case, iron supplements. Indeed, one should not have recourse to these drugs without prescription and medical follow-up.

What’s the best way to prevent anemia in babies?

Seeing a professional to prevent anemia is essential. At the same time, we must pay attention to:

• a correct diet, which begins with breastfeeding, but also consists of iron supplements in the form of drops every day, accompanied by supplements of vitamins such as A, D and C, recommended by pediatricians

• the consumption of foods rich in iron, mainly red meats – well cooked – or vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and lentils. In order to avoid the risk of suffocation, depending on the age of the children, it is better to mix all these foods
• ingestion of citrus fruits and foods rich in vitamin C, which promote iron absorption. As well as the use of milk fortified with iron. Although not sufficient, they can contribute to the contribution of this element

In summary

“Eating healthy foods is the most important way to prevent and treat iron deficiency,” according to the Medlineplus study.