Anemia in Children
Anemia is a condition in which there are low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb) in the body due to lack of iron, folic acid (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, intake of cow’s milk before 6 months, and genetic factors.
Anemic children may show symptoms like tiredness, pale complexion, not good enough growth rate, etc. The most common type of anemia found in children is IDA (Iron Deficiency Anaemia).
The small intestine absorbs 60% -70% of dietary non-heme iron efficiently; however, only 20% -30% heme iron reaches the serum ferritin via duodenal enterocytes by receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Heme iron (heme means pigments in blood like hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochrome in) is only found in animal foods and the absorption of heme iron is more dependent on the body’s requirement than non-heme iron which can be absorbed even when there is no dietary deficiency. Heme iron has 10 times more bioavailability than non-heme iron present in plants.
Iron-rich foods for children:
1) Liver:
The liver contains a high amount of Iron ( 2 teaspoons = 8gm), vitamin A & D (vitamins that contribute to Iron absorption). It helps to treat anemia, prevents infection, builds immunity against diseases & prevents premature births.
2) Red beans:
Red beans are Iron-rich foods that boost the hemoglobin level of anemic children. These beans contain iron, calcium, zinc & vitamins A, B1, and B2. They can also be cooked with onion and tomato to increase absorption of their nutrients like more bioavailability (up to 27 times more than raw bean).
3) Brown rice:
Most of the Indian traditional food is rich in Iron & Calcium which helps to get rid of Anemia in children. One cup of brown rice contains 6.6 gm Manganese, 2gms of vitamin C (helps to absorb iron), 1gm Phosphorus (a mineral used by our bodies to make bones and teeth as well as protein to help form cell membranes), and 5.2gm of iron (iron is needed for the formation of hemoglobin that carries oxygen in our bodies).
4) Amaranth:
One cup of amaranth has 10gms of Calcium, 2gms Iron & 120mgs Vitamin C which helps to absorb iron efficiently. It also contains riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, etc antioxidants/vitamins required by anemic children.
5) Cereal snacks:
Cereals are one of the best sources to gain energy & strength quickly. These foods are known as a great source that provides essential nutrients to the body like carbohydrates for energy, fats for brain function fibers for digestion, calcium for strong bones & Iron for Red Blood Cells formation.
6) Pumpkin:
Half a cup of cooked pumpkin has an 11% daily value of iron, which helps boost the hemoglobin level of anemic children. It also contains a good amount of vitamin A and C that gives strong immunity against free radicals to protect from the harmful disease-causing agents.
7) Cow’s milk:
Milk is a great source of Calcium, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 that are needed by the body to encourage the production of hemoglobin cells. Children suffering from Anemia should consume whole Cow’s Milk until they are 2 years old to prevent Iron Deficiency in them. Also, pregnant mothers should drink at least 2 glasses per day during the pregnancy period as it decreases the risk of premature babies.
8) Sweet potato:
One cup of cooked sweet potato contains 5.3mgs Iron and 2mgs Vitamin C which helps to absorb iron in the body efficiently. It also has Calcium, potassium, vitamin A & is a great antioxidant due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
9) Beans:
Legumes such as beans contain a high amount of protein that helps to boost energy & keep children active during playtime with low blood pressure levels. One cup of boiled beans contains 9gms Iron,1.4 grams of Manganese, 200mgs of calcium, and is also rich in antioxidants like vitamin B6, folate, and dietary fiber.
10) Orange juice:
Children suffering from Anemia should consume whole orange juice daily to get rid of iron deficiency in their bodies. One cup of Orange Juice contains 2.4mgs of Iron, 0.5mgs Vitamin C, 5mgs Folate and is a great source of antioxidants like vitamin A, B6 & C that helps to protect from various diseases during the growing upstage.
11) Dark chocolate:
Dark chocolate may contain caffeine (in small amounts) that prevents anemia by increasing red blood cells production. Although it also contains sugar, one bar of dark chocolate will be enough to boost energy levels & iron deficiency in anemic children.
12) Dried figs:
One cup of dried figs contains 14mg Iron (2.4% DV), 1gram Manganese, 3 grams of Potassium and is a good source of dietary fiber. Iron-rich foods for toddlers are very important for keeping them active during playtime with low blood pressure levels in their bodies. All these nutrients help in building strong bones & teeth in children, increase immunity against diseases & prevent anemia as well as other deficiencies.
13) Spinach:
Spinach contains iron, Vitamin A, and Manganese that are needed by the body for Red Blood cells formation in young children. It also contains calcium and potassium that helps to keep blood pressure levels low & boost energy levels. Children suffering from anemia should consume at least 3 cups of cooked spinach per week and can even add some nuts & seeds for extra nutrition.
14) Nuts:
Including nuts like almonds, walnuts, peanuts, etc in our daily diet not only helps prevent diseases but also boosts the immune system against free radicals due to their antioxidant properties (helps to eliminate harmful agents before they cause any damage). One cup of the nut contains a good amount of iron, vitamin B6, folate, and dietary fiber that help in the production of hemoglobin cells in children & prevents anemia.
15) Dried apricots:
One cup of dried apricots contains 1.5mgs of iron that helps the body to produce a greater Number Of Red Blood Cells to increase Hemoglobin levels in children suffering from anemia. It also has Vitamin A & C which boosts immunity against free radicals to protect from various diseases during growing up stages.
Anemic child diet:
At the age of seven, a young boy named Jake was diagnosed with anemia. His parents were worried about his health so they took him to a dietician.
The dietician handed them a list of healthy food but the only thing the kid enjoyed eating were French fries and cookies so he turned down everything else. The nutritionist said that it could be fatal if he doesn’t have proper nutrition.
Pediatric anemia guidelines:
The parents were confused about the anemia diet which could save their son’s life. They went to a pediatrician and asked him if there is anything that they can feed to the kid
the doctor handed them a pamphlet on anemia and said that The dietician was right, he needs a healthy diet but he should also be careful of avoiding iron-rich food” Jake didn’t like either french fries or cookies so he went back home full of sadness because his parents bought him sandwiches at the nearest cafe. He thought it would be very unhealthy for him since it contained lots of meat and mayonnaise.
Expert’s opinion on anemia diet:
A nutritionist said that iron-rich food makes up for the deficiencies in children who have anemia. Nutritional deficiency is caused by certain factors like Genetics, Blood Diseases, Trauma to the body, etc Iron-rich foods are important for the brain development of kids as well as for building strong bones & teeth. they should consume more nutritious food instead of junk so their bodies can fight against free radicals easily
Anemic child cure:
Anemia is one Of The Most Common Blood Deficiency diseases in children caused by a lack of Hemoglobin cells which carry oxygen through your body to the cells and tissues. Without enough oxygen, our bodies can’t function normally.