Children’s growth can be hampered by iron deficiency, which can lead to anaemia. Learn how much iron your child needs, as well as the best sources of iron with best pediatric hematologist in Delhi, Dr. Vikas Dua. Iron is an essential mineral for your child’s growth and development, but some children lack it. Learn what causes iron deficiency in kids, how to spot it, and how to avoid it.
What is the Significance of Iron in Children?
Iron aids in the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, as well as the storage and use of oxygen by muscles. If your child’s diet is deficient in iron, he or she will develop iron deficiency.
Children’s iron deficiency is a common concern. It may range from a minor deficiency to iron deficiency anaemia, which is a disorder in which the blood lacks sufficiently healthy red blood cells. Iron deficiency that goes untreated can have a negative impact on a child’s growth and development.
How much iron do kids require?
Iron is contained in the bodies of newborns, but a steady supply of additional iron is needed to fuel a child’s rapid growth and development.
Dr. Vikas Dua what is the risk of iron deficiency in Children?
The following infants and children are at the greatest risk of iron deficiency:
- Premature babies and babies with a reduced birth weight
- Breast-fed babies who are not given supplementary foods containing iron after the age of 6 months who drink cow’s milk or goat’s milk before the age of one
- Babies that are not given iron-fortified formula
- Children aged 1 to 5 who consume more than 24 ounces (710 millilitres) of cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or soy milk per day Children with chronic infections or limited diets
- Lead-exposed children are those that have been exposed to a high level of lead.
- Children who do not consume sufficient amounts of iron-rich foods
- Obese or overweight children are those who are overweight or obese.
- Since their bodies lose iron during menstruation, adolescent girls are at a higher risk of iron deficiency.
Dr. Vikas can you explain about the basics of anemia in children?
Anemia is characterised as a decrease in the mass of red blood cells (RBCs) or the concentration of blood haemoglobin (HGB). Anemia is most generally characterised in practise by a decrease in one or both of the following:
Hematocrit (HCT) – The HCT is a percentage of the fractional volume of a whole blood sample occupied by RBCs. For example, a child aged 6 to 12 years old has a normal HCT of about 40%.
Hemoglobin (HGB) – This is a measurement of the RBC pigment HGB concentration in whole blood, expressed in grammes per 100 mL (dL) of whole blood. HGB levels in children aged 6 to 12 years should be about 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L).
Please note that the normal ranges for HGB and HCT vary substantially with age, race, and gender, hence an expert paediatrician or Paediatric haematologist needs to have a detailed look at all suspected individual to help determine the exact diagnosis and the type of anemia along with and other test that may be undertaken before a confirmed diagnosis cane me made.
Dr. Vikas are all anemia in children and its cause same for all?
The causes of anaemia differ depending on the age of the patient. Resistant hemolytic disease, infection, and genetic disorders are the most prevalent in newborns and infants. Acquired causes of anaemia, especially iron deficiency anaemia, are more common in older children (dietary or due to blood loss).
Key historical considerations in the identification of a child with anaemia include the severity and onset of symptoms, signs of jaundice or blood loss (gastrointestinal symptoms and menstrual history), substance and toxin exposure, chronic illness, and family history of anemias or hemoglobinopathy.
Dr. Vikas Dua provides high-quality health care for every child suffering from cancer. He is the best paediatric hemato oncologist and bone marrow transplant specialist of the generation. He cares for many new pediatric patients each year, from infants through young adults. He works closely with young patients and their families to provide support and education so you know what to expect from the treatment, and from raising and caring for a child with a life-threatening illness.
Dr. Vikas Dua, the best pediatric hematologist in Delhi, India is committed to making treatment as comfortable and effective as possible, letting parents focus on helping their child get better, and allowing the patient to just be a kid. Dr. Vikas, a Bone marrow specialist in Delhi India focus is on the most advanced medical care combined with the best emotional support for your child and your family.
