Table of contents:
- Is it time to give your child iron supplements?
- Who is at risk for iron deficiency?
- Things that must be considered when giving iron supplements to children
Lack of iron intake can lead to anemia in children. This condition is characterized by pale skin, the body is easily tired, has no appetite, is more prone to illness, and the onset of developmental problems. Not a few parents finally take precautions by providing iron supplements for children. However, is iron supplements safe to be given to children in their developmental period?
Is it time to give your child iron supplements?
That is the first question you should ask before giving iron supplements to your little one. Unless access to iron intake is limited, you can actually meet the needs of this mineral by providing it with a variety of iron-rich foods, for example:
- red meat, chicken meat
- liver and other offal
- fish and shellfish
- dark green vegetables like spinach and broccoli
- beans and legumes
- cereals or other foods that have been fortified with iron
Ideally, the food consumed daily can contribute enough iron so you don't need to give iron supplements for children.
In addition, you also need to provide fruits that are rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes. Because vitamin C will help increase iron absorption.
Avoid giving tea because it reduces iron absorption. As long as your little one eats a varied and nutritionally balanced diet, you don't need to worry about the possibility of anemia due to iron deficiency.
Who is at risk for iron deficiency?
Most children can meet their iron needs through food. However, certain conditions can limit iron intake in children so that they are more susceptible to anemia. This is what usually the background for giving iron supplements to children.
Examples are babies born prematurely, have low birth weight, or are born to mothers who are deficient in iron. This can be worsened if the child has certain diseases that result in impaired absorption of nutrients, for example, intestinal diseases or chronic infections.
Children's diet also contributes to the fulfillment of iron. The predisposed child picky eating or adopting a vegan diet, for example, are a group that is prone to experiencing iron deficiency because their food choices are more limited.
Another factor that parents often miss is puberty. During this period, children experience a growth spurt so that their nutritional needs also increase. In fact, girls are more vulnerable because they menstruate at least once every month.
For this reason, in order to diagnose iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, blood tests are needed. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that every baby be screened for iron deficiency anemia at the age of 9 months and 12 months, and for those who have risk factors, re-examination is necessary at a later age.
Things that must be considered when giving iron supplements to children
Do not give iron supplements to children without medical advice. If you are worried about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician and have her condition checked regularly. That way, the doctor can recommend further tests or an iron supplement if needed.
There are various forms of iron supplements for children, namely drops, syrups, chewable tablets, jellies, and powders. Follow the usage rules listed on the packaging, or according to the doctor's instructions. Based on the recommendations of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association, the recommended dosage of iron supplements for children is as follows:
- Low birth weight babies: 3 mg / kgBW / day, given from 1 month to 2 years of age
- Term babies: 2 mg / kg / day, given from 4 months to 2 years of age
- Children aged 2-5 years: 1 mg / kgBB / day, given 2 times / week for three consecutive months every year
- Children> 5 years to 12 years: 1 mg / kgBB / day, given 2 times / week for three consecutive months every year
- Adolescents aged 12-18 years: 60 mg / day, given 2 times / week for three consecutive months each year
Taking iron supplements can cause side effects in the form of stomach pain, discoloration of the stool, and constipation. However, giving iron supplements to children is still safe as long as the dosage is in accordance with the provisions. In order to keep your baby away from iron anemia and its complications, don't forget to supplement their daily intake with a variety of foods with balanced nutrition.
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