Patient's question:
Main symptoms: Mild anemia Onset time: Recently discovered Laboratory test results:Doctor's answer:
Childhood anemia is commonly found in children aged 6 months to 3 years, caused by iron deficiency, as the main substances for hematopoiesis are protein and iron. The diet of newborns primarily consists of milk, so protein deficiency is not a concern. However, iron content in milk is very low, and some foods contain iron that is hindered from absorption and utilization due to oxalates, carbonates, and phytates, leading to iron deficiency anemia. Newborns generally do not develop anemia due to iron reserves left by the mother. As infants grow and develop, these iron reserves are usually depleted within about half a year, making children over 6 months old more susceptible to anemia. During this stage, infants grow rapidly, and by the age of one, their weight is typically three times their birth weight, with hemoglobin in the bloodstream capable of carrying oxygen increasing by two times, requiring more iron to synthesize hemoglobin. Iron is a crucial raw material for human hemoglobin and myoglobin. Insufficient iron intake can lead to iron deficiency anemia, affecting oxygen transport and hindering growth and development. The iron stored in the liver from the mother can only meet the growth and development needs for the first 4 months. From 4 to 6 months, infants grow larger and require an additional 10–20 milligrams of iron daily to meet their needs. Neither human milk nor cow's milk contains enough iron to meet this requirement, so it is essential to add iron-rich complementary foods such as egg yolks, animal liver, lean meat, and leafy greens. Iron supplements can also be used for treatment, and vitamin D should be supplemented during iron supplementation to enhance absorption. Regular blood hemoglobin checks should be conducted.