Nearly 20% of children under 5 years in our country are iron deficiency anemia

From birth until 6 months of age, babies born at full term will have good iron stores from their mothers. But from 6 months onwards, babies will need to be supplemented with iron and other nutrients through complementary foods to meet the needs of rapid growth. If the body does not provide enough iron in the daily diet, the child will be at high risk of iron deficiency anemia.

Signs of anemia in children

• Blue skin, pale palms and feet, pale eye conjunctiva
• Children with poor concentration at work, study, lack of movement, less flexibility, lethargy
• Anorexia, weight loss, dry hair, tongue loss of spines, deformed nails...
• Slow learning to sit, slow walking in young children. Slow growth in weight and height.
• ….

Prevention and Early detection of children with iron deficiency anemia

For early detection of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all 12-month-olds be screened for blood tests. It may be earlier if your baby is in a high-risk group such as being born prematurely or showing any signs of anemia.

Based on the test results, the paediatrician will evaluate and advise on an appropriate diet and take timely interventions for the baby.

In addition, parents should also pay attention to supplementing their children with iron-rich foods in their daily nutrition, such as:

• Animal liver such as chicken, pig, cow, sheep all contains high iron content.
• Mussels, oysters, oysters are among the most iron-rich soft coal seafood
• Beef and chicken are rich sources of iron
• Dark green leafy vegetables: water spinach, spinach, spinach...
• Another way that helps a lot in enhancing iron absorption is to combine foods rich in this mineral with foods high in vitamin C.

Where is the blood test for the child?

CarePlus International Clinic System (3 branches) is a reliable health care location for children in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City, with a variety of specialized testing and imaging services, which include blood tests for early detection of anemia and blood diseases, ferritin tests to assess the amount of iron in the body and micronutrient tests such as magnesium, zinc, electrolytes.

In addition, CarePlus also develops general examination packages for children according to each developmental milestone: 0-2 months, 2-4 months, 4-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-6 years old and over 6 years old. Each examination package will include the tests and ultrasounds for the doctor to assess the child’s mental and motor development.