The lack of essential nutrients in a child’s body is called childhood anemia1. Hemoglobin levels in the blood become lower than normal, and through tests, a deficiency in vitamins such as zinc, vitamin B12, proteins, and especially iron is detected. The most common type of childhood anemia is iron deficiency anemia, also known as iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is one of the main nutrients necessary for good health, as it is responsible for the production of red blood cells and for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
There are groups more affected by anemia, such as children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and adolescent girls when they experience their first menstruation. It can develop due to poor nutrition or lack of iron-rich foods. In the case of adolescent girls, blood loss due to heavy menstrual flow can also be a cause of the disease.
Symptoms of Anemia
It’s not always possible to see symptoms in a child suffering from childhood anemia; diagnosis almost always requires laboratory tests, that is, blood tests. But there are symptoms that can be observed, such as:
- Lack of appetite
- Severe fatigue
- Pale or yellowish skin and mucous membranes (eyes and gums)
- Difficulty concentrating
Children with anemia are usually downcast, don’t feel like playing, and seem very listless2. Other symptoms may include weaker and brittle nails, dry skin, and hair loss. Children suffering from childhood anemia may have more learning difficulties and show delays in physical and mental development. Because they have low immunity, they are more susceptible to infections.
How to Prevent and Treat Childhood Anemia
From the very first appointment with the pediatrician, iron supplements are prescribed to help prevent the development of childhood anemia. For babies who are exclusively breastfed, the mother’s healthy diet is fundamental to maintain the child’s iron levels. For little ones already eating foods, it’s recommended to increasingly include iron-rich foods through healthy nutrition, which, in addition to keeping them free from childhood anemia, will also keep them in good health.
Iron can be found in a wide variety of foods that are very easy to find and are part of the daily human diet3. Iron nutrients can be found in the following foods:
- Egg yolk
- Red meat
- Grains such as beans, chickpeas, lentils, green beans
- Dark leafy greens such as spinach and arugula
- Broccoli, cauliflower, beetroot, and peas
- Oats
- Sesame seeds
We can also fight childhood anemia through fruits, especially those rich in vitamin C, which increases iron absorption in the body, such as acerola, cashew fruit, kiwi, orange, lemon, strawberry, and guava. In addition to healthy eating and consuming iron-rich foods, which will ensure the necessary amount of the nutrient and keep hemoglobin at recommended levels, there are home remedies that can help when a vitamin deficiency is detected in the blood.
Home Tip to Combat Childhood Anemia
Even with all the advances in medicine and pharmaceuticals, juices and specific foods used since ancient times, such as a good piece of liver steak, are still used today and yield excellent results. Below is a home remedy that can be consumed daily, and in addition to its pleasant taste, will help prevent and fight childhood anemia.
Ingredients:
- 1 (or more) fresh fruit rich in vitamin C (the best choices are acerola, orange, cashew fruit, and guava).
- 1 glass of cold water
- 3 stalks of parsley (or kale or watercress)
Preparation method:
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until all the fruit is completely blended.
See also: Anemia During Pregnancy – Things Every Pregnant Woman Should Know
Photo: Jeff Meyer
