Child Health Specialist Dr. Zehra Can: "In our country, iron deficiency is seen in babies especially as a result of early initiation of cow's milk, early transition to solid foods, low red meat intake, low vitamin C intake, tea, low socio-economic status and iron deficiency in the mother." It provides information.
What are the causes of anemia in babies?
The most common cause of anemia in infancy and childhood is iron deficiency. In addition, although less common, anemia due to vitamin B 12 deficiency and folic acid deficiency, Mediterranean Anemia and some genetic anemias are also seen. In our country, iron deficiency is seen in babies as a result of early initiation of cow's milk, early introduction of solid foods, low red meat intake, low vitamin C intake, tea, low socioeconomic status and iron deficiency in the mother. As a result, symptoms such as growth and development retardation, sores in the mouth and skin, easy fatigue, restlessness, decreased attention, susceptibility to infections, pallor, irritability, muscle weakness, and fatigue are observed.
Since the bioavailability of breast milk is five times higher than cow's milk, the baby's iron stores are full in the first 4 months of breastfeeding and anemia does not develop before four months. However; Iron deficiency in the mother may cause iron deficiency to occur earlier in low birth weight, premature and twin babies. Since iron stores are depleted after four months and infancy is the fastest growth period of life, iron deficiency develops during this period. Additionally, iron deficiency anemia develops in cases of chronic diarrhea, Celiac disease, milk allergy, inflammatory bowel diseases, and blood loss. Iron deficiency is most common between the 9th and 24th months. For this reason, blood tests should be performed at regular intervals during this period.
What can be done for its treatment?
In the treatment, iron treatment is given to the baby according to the complete blood count, serum iron and stored iron levels. Feeding should be arranged with iron-containing foods that the baby can eat according to his age. Foods such as red meat, liver, grains, oats, egg yolk, green foods, legumes, grapes and molasses are rich in iron content. download. In addition, it is necessary to feed iron-rich food, reduce the amount of cow's milk, and if there is a disease underlying anemia, it should be investigated, diagnosed and treated.
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