Patient's question:
The baby girl is nine and a half months old. She was tested for iron deficiency at three and a half months, but there was no deficiency in calcium or zinc. She wasn't given any special supplements at that time. She was tested again at six and a half months and found to be deficient in calcium and zinc (the two tests were done at different hospitals). She was given calcium and zinc supplements. For calcium, she has only taken two boxes of Nanoka and one box of another brand. For zinc, she initially took a liquid supplement and now takes Zinboba (tablets). She can chew on things like biscuits on her own, but her teeth haven't come in yet. It looks like there's some swelling in her gums on both sides, but she is still able to drink milk and eat dinner without any interference.Previous Treatment and Effects:
She was given calcium and zinc supplements.
What kind of help is needed:
How can she be helped to need hospital treatment?
Doctor's answer:
Iron deficiency is a global issue. According to the United Nations Children's Fund, approximately 3.7 billion people worldwide suffer from iron deficiency, most of whom are women. In developing countries, 40% to 50% of children under the age of 5 and more than 50% of pregnant women suffer from iron deficiency. Iron deficiency in children can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, most commonly seen in children under three years old. After about 3 to 4 months, when fetal iron stores are depleted and breast milk contains low levels of iron, children's faces may turn pale (most noticeably on the lips, eyelids, and nails), they may lose appetite, become restless, and experience rapid breathing and slowed pulse after exercise. They may also have swollen liver and spleen, pica, and in small infants, pauses in breathing during crying (holding their breath).Recommendations: Around 4 months of age, whether the baby is breastfed or formula-fed, it is recommended to gradually introduce foods such as egg yolk, liver puree, fish puree, vegetable puree, and iron-fortified foods. When choosing iron-fortified foods, pay attention to selecting foods with high bioavailability of iron. Ferrous ions are a double-edged sword. When feeding the baby iron-rich foods, it is best to also include fruits rich in vitamin C to reduce the absorption rate of non-heme iron from food. Encourage the baby to eat more foods rich in heme iron, such as animal liver, blood, red meat, and fish. These can be prepared into purees, minced, or crushed forms suitable for the baby's age, making them easier to consume. Before the age of three, babies' teeth are still developing, so it is advisable to choose tender meats like tenderloin, which can be minced to help the baby chew.
The above suggestions are for the question "A nine-month-old baby hasn't grown any teeth." I hope this helps you. Wishing you good health!