The lack of iron is one of the main causes of anemia in children and infants. According to data from UC Medicine, the deficit of this mineral is responsible for 88% of anemia in infants and 98% in preschool children. Along the same lines, The diet is one of the main factors causing iron deficiency.
Anemia occurs when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to cells and tissues.
Iron helps produce red blood cells; when it is lacking, this disease can occur.
4%
of preschoolers suffer from anemia
88%
Is it due to iron deficiency
One of the causes of iron deficiency is diet. A primarily dairy-based diet does not provide enough of this mineral.
Did you know that iron is not produced in our body and it is necessary to acquire it through food?
Of animal origin:
Oysters, liver, lean red meat, mussels, chicken, egg yolk.
Of plant origin:
Spinach, legumes, quinoa, paprika, chard, broccoli, cauliflower, squash, potatoes.
We don't want to scare you, we just want to help you prevent. The thing is that anemia is not an adult disease; it also affects children and infants. And it's not like we say it. UC Medicine points out that -approximately- 14% of infants suffer from anemia. In addition, 4% of preschoolers suffer from anemia. It doesn't sound like much, but who wants their child to suffer from anemia?
Anemia in infants, children, or adults is a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells.
Red blood cells carry oxygen to cells and tissues; when they are not healthy, the body is stressed due to lack of oxygen.
Iron helps produce red blood cells and, in addition, to carry the oxygen necessary to keep us healthy and energetic.
Consequently, iron deficiency is one of the main causes of anemia in infants and children.
Of the 14% of infants who suffer from anemia, 88% are due to lack of iron.
In a similar way, Of the 4% of preschoolers who have anemia, 98% are due to iron deficiency.
It can be for many reasons and it will always be determined by a doctor when carrying out the relevant tests.
However, a diet low in iron is one of the main causes of anemia in children.
You have to know: iron is not produced in our body, that is, we need to ingest it through food to have it.
If there are no diseases or special conditions involved, we are all born with iron reserves for the first 4 or 6 months of life.
But after that, It is necessary to incorporate iron-containing foods to maintain healthy levels.
And that's when problems with anemia can start.
Maintaining a diet that is based primarily on dairy doesn't provide much iron.
Unfortunately, this is the reality in many families. And it's not bad that they continue to consume milk or dairy products, the problem is that, generally, their iron intake is very low.
Therefore, with the help of a specialist, it is essential incorporate iron-rich foods.
Iron is found in animal foods and in plant foods.
While they have their differences, mixing the two is the most important thing in maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.
Animal foods that are rich in iron include, for example:
Also, plant-based foods rich in iron include, for example:
Anemia in children can manifest with different symptoms and signs, but if the disease is mild, they may not occur.
Therefore, It is very important to go to regular medical checks to constantly measure your iron levels.
Among the most common symptoms and signs of anemia in children, the following stand out:
Sources: Medline and Healthy Children.
