Blood also contains a protein called hemoglobin. When its levels drop below a certain threshold, we refer to this condition as anemia. There are many types of anemia, but today we'll focus on iron-deficiency anemia—a common nutritional deficiency anemia encountered by parents.Normal hemoglobin levels are as follows: Newborns: 145 g/L 1–4 months: 90 g/L 4–6 months: 100 g/L 6 months–6 years: 110 g/L
If a baby's hemoglobin level falls below the normal range for their age group in a blood test, it is diagnosed as anemia. If the hemoglobin level is within 10 points below the normal range, it is classified as mild anemia. In cases of mild anemia, dietary supplementation is sufficient, and medication is not required.
2. What symptoms might an anemic baby show?
Visually, the baby may appear pale or jaundiced, with lethargy and sluggish responses.
Digestively, symptoms include poor appetite, bloating, and constipation. Some children develop pica, craving non-food items like dirt, wall paint, or raw rice.
Mothers can assess potential anemia symptoms in their babies based on these two aspects.
3. What are the risks of anemia?
① Iron deficiency compromises cellular immune function, leading to weakened resistance and increased susceptibility to illness.
② Reduced gastric acid secretion and impaired fat absorption due to iron deficiency diminish digestive capacity.③ Anemia reduces blood oxygen-carrying capacity, causing varying degrees of tissue hypoxia throughout the body. Even minor physical activity may trigger shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat. ④ Anemia places the body in a state of oxygen deprivation, resulting in muscle weakness.
4. How should anemia in infants be managed?
For mild anemia, dietary supplementation is preferred over medication. Medication refers to iron supplements, which often cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and may further reduce the child's appetite. Dietary therapy is one of the effective approaches to treating anemia. The following foods are beneficial for improving anemia symptoms and replenishing nutrients essential for hematopoiesis. Careful selection is recommended.
① Foods rich in high-quality protein
Such as eggs, dairy products, fish, lean meats, shrimp, and legumes.
② Foods rich in vitamin C
Fresh fruits and green vegetables, including hawthorn berries, apricots, oranges, hawthorn fruit, tomatoes, bitter melon, green bell peppers, lettuce, and green bamboo shoots.Vitamin C aids in hematopoiesis and enhances iron absorption and utilization.
③ Iron-rich foods
Such as chicken liver, pork liver, beef/lamb kidneys, lean meat, egg yolks, kelp, black sesame seeds, sesame paste, black fungus, soybeans, mushrooms, brown sugar, rapeseed greens, celery, etc.
Additionally, for severe anemia, supplementing with oral iron supplements and vitamin C tablets is recommended alongside dietary adjustments. Regular blood tests are essential, with a typical treatment course lasting three months.
Mothers can proactively prevent anemia symptoms in babies by regularly incorporating the three categories of protein-, vitamin C-, and iron-rich foods mentioned earlier into their diets.