While babies today are often the center of family attention, they can still develop anemia. Why does this happen, and how can it be prevented?
Nutritional anemia in children primarily manifests as two types: microcytic anemia caused by dietary iron deficiency, and macrocytic anemia resulting from insufficient folic acid or vitamin B1 in the body.During the first 4 to 6 months of breastfeeding, infants utilize iron stored from the mother for blood production. After 4 to 6 months, iron reserves become depleted. Therefore, iron-rich foods should be introduced around 3 to 4 months of age. Egg yolks, for instance, are rich in iron and should be incorporated. Animal liver is also high in iron, and other sources like fish, beans, and bean products can be gradually introduced to infants.Fresh green leafy vegetables and fruits, which are also rich in iron, can be consumed concurrently. Of course, in cases of severe anemia, iron supplements and vitamins C and E should be taken under medical guidance. When taking these medications, care should be taken not to consume them simultaneously with tea or coffee. Macrocytic anemia may occur when infants are exclusively breastfed without timely introduction of complementary foods, have selective eating habits, or experience prolonged diarrhea.Common symptoms include a waxy complexion, puffiness, a blank expression, and a lack of crying or smiling. Appetite loss, nausea, diarrhea, glossitis, and a smooth tongue are also frequent. At this stage, foods rich in vitamin B12 and folic acid—such as leafy greens, fruits, beef liver, and soybeans—can be provided. In severe cases, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C supplements may be administered under medical supervision.
Common Symptoms of Pediatric Anemia
Pediatric anemia frequently occurs in children aged 6 months to 3 years. Affected infants may exhibit pallor or sallow complexion, poor appetite, easy fatigue, dry hair, and reduced immunity. Parents should be vigilant for anemia, particularly when symptoms like sluggish responses, tongue tremors,reduced smiling, delayed or regressive cognitive and behavioral development (e.g., loss of previously acquired skills like sitting or crawling) may indicate megaloblastic anemia.
Prolonged anemia can impair cardiac function and intellectual development.Anemia deprives the brain of oxygen, impairing cognitive development in infants and young children. This can result in delays in speech, memory, number concepts, fine motor skills, and audiovisual abilities compared to non-anemic peers. Anemia can lower a child's IQ. Iron deficiency reduces the activity of iron-containing enzymes involved in killing bacteria, compromising the body's immune function.Anemia leads to physical weakness, and frequent illness exacerbates anemia, creating a vicious cycle. Diagnosing anemia is straightforward. The most basic method is a complete blood count (CBC). Hemoglobin levels below 11 g/dL indicate anemia, though additional tests may be needed to rule out other causes. Proactive prevention of childhood anemia is crucial. If symptoms arise, dietary supplementation can help improve the condition.So, what foods are beneficial for children with anemia?
1. 15g longan flesh, 3-5 red dates, 100g japonica rice. Simmer together into porridge and consume warm.
Benefits: Nourishes the heart and spleen, tonifies and strengthens.
2. 2 pounds (1000g) fresh sheep bones, 200g japonica rice.Wash and crush the bones, simmer in water to make broth. Strain out solids, add rice, and cook into porridge. Serve warm with sugar to taste. One course of treatment lasts 10-15 days.
Benefits: Nourishes kidneys and strengthens bones.
3. 100g brown glutinous rice, 50g coix seeds, 15 red dates.Cook together into porridge. Add appropriate amount of white sugar when serving.
Efficacy: Nourishes yin and replenishes blood.
4. Prepared rehmannia root 60g, red dates 3-5, japonica rice 100g. First decoct prepared rehmannia root to extract concentrated juice, strain out residue. Add red dates and japonica rice to cook into porridge. When nearly done, add appropriate amount of brown sugar, bring to a boil once or twice.Serve warm. He Shou Wu must not be cooked in iron utensils; use a clay pot or enamel pot for decoction or porridge preparation.
Benefits: Nourishes the liver and kidneys, enriches blood, and regulates deficiency.
5. 2 eggs. Separate and beat the yolks. Bring water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, then add the beaten yolks and cook until set. Drink twice daily.
Benefits: Replenishes iron, suitable for iron-deficiency anemia.
6. 150g pork liver, spinach as needed. Slice liver, mix with starch, salt, soy sauce, and MSG. Stir-fry with blanched spinach in oil. Alternatively, boil 50g sliced liver until nearly done, add spinach, bring to a boil, then add seasoning. Eat liver, vegetables, and soup.
Benefits: Iron supplementation, suitable for iron-deficiency anemia. A blood-nourishing dish for children.
Common Recipes:
Pork Liver and Lean Meat Porridge
Suitable for: Infants aged 8 months to 1 year
Ingredients: Fresh pork liver, lean pork, rice, oil (as needed), a pinch of salt.
Method:
1. Wash pork liver and lean meat, mince finely, then mix with oil and salt.
2. Rinse rice thoroughly, place in pot with sufficient water. Simmer until porridge is nearly done, then add seasoned liver and pork mixture. Cook until meat is fully cooked.
Method:
1. Place flour in a bowl. Dip chopsticks in water and mix into the flour, gradually adding water while stirring until small lumps form.
3. Heat oil in a pan, add minced scallions and ginger, stir-fry minced pork, then add a splash of soy sauce and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Add the small flour lumps, stir well with a spoon, and simmer briefly. Pour in beaten eggs, add spinach, nori, and salt to taste. Simmer a little longer until done.
Carrot and Meat Rolls
Suitable for: Babies aged 1–2 years
Ingredients: Flour, soybean flour, lean pork, carrot, Chinese cabbage, oil, minced scallions and ginger, salt, soy sauce.
Method:
1. Mix flour and soybean flour in a 10:1 ratio. Add water to form a dough and let it ferment.
2. Finely chop lean pork, carrot, and Chinese cabbage. Mix with oil, minced scallions and ginger, salt, and soy sauce to form filling.
4. Spread the meat and vegetable filling over the dough sheet, roll it up from one side, arrange in a steamer basket, and steam for 30 minutes. Cut into small pieces before serving.