When we take our child to pediatrician for general health check up, they do hemoglobin test. If the hemoglobin count is lower than normal, then the child can develop iron deficiency anemia.
What is Hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Every red blood cell in the body contains iron in its hemoglobin, the pigment that carries oxygen to the tissues from the lungs. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin. If there is not enough iron, hemoglobin production is limited, which in turn affects the production of red blood cells.
Iron deficiency anemia is caused by insufficient iron intake. To be healthy, growing children need a constant supply of iron.
Food Sources:
Iron is found in many plant and animal food sources. Iron from animal sources is called heme iron which can be absorbed by our body very easily. Iron from plant sources is called non-heme iron which is difficult to absorb. Our bodies can absorb non-heme iron when we eat it with foods that contain vitamin C (such as orange juice, citrus fruit) or when we eat it with sources of heme iron.
Breast milk contains enough iron to prevent anemia for the first 4 to 6 months of life. After this, babies need other sources of iron in their diet, such as iron fortified cereal, lentils, peas and beans.
Children and toddlers who drink a lot of milk or juice are at risk of iron deficiency anemia. Limit milk intake to 2 cups (450 ml), everyday.
Some tips that can help toddlers iron intake:
Chicken with broccoli,
Add dried peas or beans to soups.
Adding raisins to lunches, hot cereal.
Using whole-wheat or enriched breads and cereals.
Offering water for thirst in between meals and snacks.
What is Hemoglobin?
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Every red blood cell in the body contains iron in its hemoglobin, the pigment that carries oxygen to the tissues from the lungs. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin. If there is not enough iron, hemoglobin production is limited, which in turn affects the production of red blood cells.
Iron deficiency anemia is caused by insufficient iron intake. To be healthy, growing children need a constant supply of iron.
Food Sources:
Iron is found in many plant and animal food sources. Iron from animal sources is called heme iron which can be absorbed by our body very easily. Iron from plant sources is called non-heme iron which is difficult to absorb. Our bodies can absorb non-heme iron when we eat it with foods that contain vitamin C (such as orange juice, citrus fruit) or when we eat it with sources of heme iron.
Breast milk contains enough iron to prevent anemia for the first 4 to 6 months of life. After this, babies need other sources of iron in their diet, such as iron fortified cereal, lentils, peas and beans.
Children and toddlers who drink a lot of milk or juice are at risk of iron deficiency anemia. Limit milk intake to 2 cups (450 ml), everyday.
Some tips that can help toddlers iron intake:
Chicken with broccoli,
Add dried peas or beans to soups.
Adding raisins to lunches, hot cereal.
Using whole-wheat or enriched breads and cereals.
Offering water for thirst in between meals and snacks.
No comments:
Post a Comment