Iron supplements for anemia in newborns

Vitamin iron for children under 1 year

The human body, both adult and small, needs vitamins and microelements that contribute to proper development, growth, and strengthening of the immune system.
One of the most important elements is iron. Its deficiency can even lead to such a serious pathology as anemia.

Newly born children and pregnant women react acutely to the lack of vitamins, because during this period they are especially vulnerable.

Causes and types of iron deficiency

A slight iron deficiency, of course, is difficult to notice, and, as a rule, it does not pose a serious danger.

However, if the microelement is regularly ignored, in addition to deteriorating well-being, iron deficiency anemia may develop.

This manifests itself in the form of an accelerated heart rate, chronic gastritis, and delayed mental and physical development. The disease can be divided into three stages:

Prelatent iron deficiency is the depletion of tissue iron depots while maintaining the level of transport and hemoglobin funds. No clinical manifestations.
Latent deficiency is a functional disorder in which the content of stored and transport iron is reduced. The activity of important enzymes also decreases, but the hemoglobin level remains unchanged.
Iron deficiency is the last and most dangerous stage.

Weakness, increased fatigue and other warning signs should be a reason to visit a doctor and check your hemoglobin level

Anemia can develop both in a very tiny child and in school-age children. Common causes of childhood anemia include the following:

prematurity;
anemia in the mother during pregnancy;
multiple pregnancy;
hemolytic disease of the newborn;
artificial feeding with sudden weight gain;
infections, viral diseases.

Also provocateurs can be an unbalanced diet, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, and food absorption. To prevent this from happening, you need to monitor your baby’s health more carefully and consult a doctor at the first suspicious symptoms.

Symptoms of iron deficiency

If the prelatent stage is difficult to determine due to the lack of symptoms, then latent (or preanemia) is characterized by clinical manifestations. List of the most obvious signs indicating iron deficiency:

irritation of epithelial tissue (dry, pale skin, hair loss, itching, burning, brittleness and splitting of nails);
disorders in the muscular system, weight loss, loss of appetite;
nervous system disorder (emotional instability, increased fatigue, chronic insomnia, problems with taste and olfactory receptors).

Anemia does not depend on age; it can occur in both an adult and a child

To determine the advanced stage of the disease, the doctor refers the patient to undergo a hemoglobin test. So, if the indicator is at the level of 90-100 g/l, the diagnosis is “mild anemia”. If fluctuations from 70 to 90 g/l are noticeable, then the pathology has become moderate. Levels below 70 g/l are considered severe and dangerous.

Mild anemia is often diagnosed in infants, but it is quickly treated with vitamins and drops containing iron (for more details, see the article: selecting vitamins for immunity for children from 3 years of age).

The dosage, as well as the type of the drug itself, is prescribed strictly by the doctor depending on the weight, age of the child and other problems he has.

Otherwise, such deviations as mental retardation, inability to learn and remember large amounts of information, chronic fatigue, and weakened immunity may be added to existing diseases.

Girls may later develop problems with menstruation. That is why in case of anemia it is very important to choose the right drug containing iron. Then treatment and restoration of hemoglobin levels will take place quickly and without consequences.

Many mothers are afraid to feed their newborns pills and are looking for alternative methods of treatment, for example, including fruits, vegetables and other foods with essential vitamins in the diet.

However, to treat iron deficiency anemia, a considerable amount of a substance is needed, which, unfortunately, cannot be obtained from food, because otherwise indigestion threatens.

Dietary iron in large quantities takes a very long time and is poorly absorbed, unlike that contained in modern medicines.

You also need to remember which medications should be supplemented with additional vitamins. For example, iron in divalent form is prescribed together with vitamin C, but trivalent iron is not absorbed by the body with low immunity without amino acids. This is important not only for the treatment of anemia, but also for the bone marrow, which is closely related to the problem at hand.

Drops and solutions for children under one year old

For the youngest children, the doctor may prescribe iron-containing medications in the form of drops:

compounds of 3-valent iron - “Maltofer”, “Ferrum lek” and “Ferlatum”;
divalent iron compounds - “Aktiferrin”, “Hemofer”, “Totema”, “Ferronate”, etc.

Such medications will help increase hemoglobin levels, the amount of iron and promote proper absorption (more details in the article: how to increase hemoglobin in a child under one year old with foods?). Prescribed by a pediatrician based on individual indicators.

Syrups after 2 years

We have figured out the drops: they are more convenient to use for up to a year (up to a maximum of 2 years). If a child is from 2 to 5 years old, but still does not know how to swallow and chew tablets (which is most likely), then medications in the form of syrup will become a “lifeline”.

For example, Ferronal, Ferrum Lek and Actiferrin are used in small doses in consultation with a doctor (we recommend reading: Actiferrin syrup and drops for children).

To accurately measure the required amount of syrup, you can find a special measuring cap in the box along with the bottle.

Tablets after 5 years

By the age of 5, as a rule, the child can already swallow the capsule. Tablet medications are considered the most effective at this age. The dosage of iron consumed should also be checked with a doctor. He will also prescribe the drug itself, for example, “Aktiferrin”, “Tardiferron”, “Ferrum Lek” or “Hemofer”.

If preference was given to capsules, then it is important to teach the child how to swallow them correctly. This type of medication will not damage the gastric mucosa, but at the same time it will be necessary to include fruits, vegetables and meat products in the diet. This is required for correct and quick assimilation.

By the way, with latent iron deficiency, the dosage for each child may differ significantly, so under no circumstances give medications without consulting a pediatrician.

Anemia medications in tablet form are prescribed to children over five years of age.

Doctor Komarovsky's opinion

Few young mothers do not know the famous pediatrician and TV presenter Dr. Komarovsky. Not only new parents, but also more experienced ones listen to his advice. Komarovsky argues that the amount of iron should be selected not only based on the child’s age, but also individual characteristics, including gender. So, the approximate daily rate should be as follows:

from birth to 12 months - from 4 to 10 mg;
from the age of 1 year to 6 years - 10 mg;
from 6 to 10 years - no more than 12 mg;
from 11 to 17 years: boys - 15 mg, girls - 18 mg.

The first few months after birth, the baby reacts especially sharply to external and internal stimuli. Increased need for vitamins (including iron), low level of hemoglobin in the blood forces one to resort to the use of additional drugs containing iron (see.

See also: what vitamins are there for children’s growth?). For example, divalent iron in the required quantities can only be found in medications, and in combination with ascorbic acid it helps with rapid absorption.

The trivalent microelement, of course, can be found in food products, but its transition to the divalent state takes a long time.

Tips and tricks

It is important for parents to understand that it is impossible to cure iron deficiency anemia with nutrition alone, even the most correct and balanced one. It is worth highlighting some useful tips from pediatricians:

Severe dyspeptic disorders and changes in stool color should not frighten mothers. This is a completely natural reaction to the iron supplement used. However, if loose stools are observed, this indicates irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, it is better to reduce the dosage of the medicine for several days.
If the child’s stomach does not accept iron ions well, nausea and vomiting appear, then succinic, ascorbic, pyruvic acids, sorbitol and fructose, vitamins C, B, E can alleviate the situation. It is also advisable to limit the use of calcium and phosphorus and antibiotics at this time, since they reduce the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
It is more effective to take iron-containing medications on an empty stomach, at least 1-2 hours before meals.
It is important to take the full course of tablets, even if your hemoglobin level has already increased. This result needs to be consolidated.

Hemoglobin can increase either at an average standard rate of 10-14 g/l per week, or quite slowly, depending on the severity of the disease (more details in the article: what is the normal hemoglobin level in 3-year-old children?).

In any case, the medications prescribed by the doctor must be taken for at least 2-3 months, otherwise the supply of iron in the child’s body will simply be lost. In addition, the hemoglobin level is not the only indicator that you should pay attention to when determining recovery.

In severe advanced cases, the help of a hematologist will be required.

Ð¸Ñ Ñ‚Ð¾Ñ‡Ð½Ð¸Ðº

Vitamins with iron for children

Every mother knows about the importance of iron for a child, so increased attention is paid to its presence in food products. And therefore, all parents should know the sources of this element in their children’s food, and also understand when such sources may be insufficient and the child needs to be given iron-containing vitamins.

Benefit

The role of iron in a child’s body is difficult to overestimate, because such an element is important for hematopoiesis, the immune system, redox processes, skin condition and cellular metabolism. Here are its main beneficial properties:

It is part of hemoglobin and other proteins, as well as enzymes.
Participates in tissue respiration, helping oxygen penetrate cells.
Prevents the development of severe fatigue and drowsiness, protects against stress.
Supports body growth processes.
Participates in the conduction of nerve impulses and supports brain function.
Provides immune and thyroid support.
Improves the effectiveness of B vitamins.

Source: https://vitamingid.ru/articles/vitamin-zheleza-dlya-detey-do-1-goda/

Iron supplements for children

Therapy for iron deficiency consists of one main task - restoring reserves of essential microelements.
This goal can be achieved only after identifying the cause of the disease, as well as with subsequent treatment with iron supplements. Many pediatricians note that the problem of anemia in childhood is very acute.

Recently, cases of even minor iron deficiency have become more frequent. Here are the best iron supplements for children.

Iron for children in drops and tablets

Anemia in childhood is a rather dangerous phenomenon that leads to impaired physiological development, as well as impaired mental health of the child. It follows from this that anemia necessarily requires therapeutic correction.

However, not all parents have a correct understanding of what anemic disorder is, why it is associated with iron deficiency and what measures need to be taken in this case.

This results in untimely detection and initiation of treatment.

What iron supplements to choose for low hemoglobin in children so that it is safe and reliable? The best option for parents would be Tardiferon. This is an “iron” drug that is intended to eliminate anemia for children over 7 years of age.

This product takes into account all the requirements, which made it possible to create the most safe and effective drug.

One tablet contains the optimal daily dose, which means that the possibility of unwanted effects is reduced to a possible minimum.

Maltofer, an iron preparation in drops for children under one year of age, has also become widespread. This drug is available in various forms, but drops for oral administration are often purchased for children.

Maltofer drops can be mixed with fruit or vegetable juice, which will make it much easier for a child to take the medicine. Any drink that is mixed with the drug does not affect its effectiveness in any way.

The daily dose of iron for newborns is calculated by a specialist based on the degree of anemia development.

For premature babies, a couple of drops per kg of body weight will be enough, and therapeutic therapy is carried out for 2-4 months. For children under one year old, 10 to 20 drops will be enough. Children from one year to 12 years will need about 20-40 drops. The need to use drops especially increases when it is important to take a medicine with iron in small quantities.

Iron supplements for infants

Premature babies are most susceptible to developing iron deficiency, so it is extremely important for them to receive the necessary dose of this valuable element. For the little ones, the optimal and effective solution is to use drugs in the form of drops or syrup.

Because at such a young age, children will not yet be able to chew the tablet on their own.

In addition, such drugs have fewer side effects, which is so important for infants whose stomachs are not yet fully adapted to taking medications.

For children under three years of age, pediatricians often prescribe the following medications: Actiferrin (drops, syrup), Maltofer (drops, syrup), Ferrum Lek (syrup), Hemofer (drops), Ferlatum, Tardiferon, Ferrous fumarate.

The form of the drug with iron in the form of a syrup or drop is well suited when it is necessary to give small doses or there is a need to calculate the required dosage of the drug, since a measuring spoon is attached to each product.

It is these iron supplements that are most often prescribed for infants 2 months and older.

Iron syrup for children

Pediatricians recommend using iron supplements that you need to drink. Because this method of taking medications has a number of advantages. The main positive aspect of oral administration of drugs is the absence of abscesses after iron injections.

In this case, taking a pill or drinking syrup is much more convenient for both parents and children. Plus, there are slightly fewer side effects from this method of taking medications. It is also important to remember that for better absorption it is recommended to take ascorbic acid.

There are iron preparations that already contain this acid. It is better to give preference to this particular drug.

For older children, the following iron preparations may be prescribed for children 2 years of age: Totema (solution), Maltofer (syrup), Actiferrin (syrup), Ferronal (syrup), Ferrum Lek (syrup). You can also already use drugs that are available in the form of capsules or tablets: Heferol, Maltofer, Ferroplex. The same iron supplements are also suitable for children 3 years old and a little older.

Rules for taking iron supplements for children

The first and most important factor to consider when choosing an iron supplement for infants is the maximum absence of side effects and safety. The duration of therapeutic correction is determined only by the bedside physician, who prescribes hemoglobin tests. Severe anemia requires quite a long treatment - about six months.

During treatment with iron-containing drugs, it is necessary to monitor blood counts. This is important to have a clear idea of the effectiveness of a particular drug.

Laboratory studies show changes in iron levels. This is also important to prevent exceeding the permissible level. We must not forget about proper nutrition.

It is important for the patient to adhere to a special diet, which includes foods high in the valuable element iron.

There are certain requirements for iron supplements for children under one year of age, which products for children must meet:

High bioavailability.
Safety of use.
A variety of dosage forms that are convenient to take.

To eliminate iron deficiency in infants, the optimal solution is to correct nutrition and create a balanced diet.

First of all, this applies to breastfeeding, since breast milk contains iron in an accessible form, and also has the most positive effect on the absorption of other iron obtained from food. However, with a pronounced deficiency, only iron supplements for anemia for children will help cope with the problem.

In most cases of anemia, iron supplements for children under 1 year of age are prescribed only in liquid forms. The course of therapy can last several months, but it is important not only to eliminate the deficiency of the microelement, but also to replenish the depot by making a reserve.

If a child takes iron in divalent form, the dosage of the drug must be gradually increased. It is also worth considering that it is important to take preparations with ferrous iron only on an empty stomach, about an hour before meals. The rest of the drugs are taken regardless of meals.

It has also been proven that chelated forms are absorbed better, so chelated iron is prescribed to infants somewhat more often, but it is not always possible to purchase it. The condition of a young patient may begin to improve quite quickly, but medications should not be stopped until hemoglobin levels are completely normal.

Source: https://anemia-malokrovie.ru/preparaty-zheleza-dlya-detej/

Top 5 effective and safe ways to treat anemia in a child

In today’s article, I have collected accessible and effective methods that will help parents treat anemia in their child.

Solving the problem needs to be approached comprehensively, so here you will find traditional medicine recipes, clinical recommendations, healthy products and natural remedies that will improve well-being and help raise the level of hemoglobin in the child’s blood.

6 folk remedies for anemia

When treating anemia in a child, decoctions and infusions should not contain alcohol-containing substances.

Aloe

You'll need:

Peeled medium-sized onions - 2 pcs.
Aloe leaf juice

Squeeze the juice from the onions grated on a fine grater and add aloe juice to it in a ratio of 1:3. The mixture is stored in a cool place and taken before meals three times a day, 1 tbsp.

Kefir with honey

If your child loves kefir, he will especially like this recipe. Add one teaspoon of honey to a glass of fermented milk drink. This kefir is taken 3 times a day.

Honey contains B vitamins, magnesium, folic acid and iron. Dark varieties of bee products are especially rich in microelements. If the child does not have allergies, diabetes or lactose intolerance, he can safely drink kefir with honey to improve his condition with anemia.

Rowan infusion

You will need:

Dried or fresh rowan fruits -2 tbsp.
Water – 0.5 l

The berries are poured with boiling water and infused under a tight lid for an hour. The strained infusion should be drunk throughout the day. The course of treatment is 2 months.

Health paste

Combine raisins, dried apricots, cranberries, prunes and walnuts in equal proportions, add lemon sliced with peel and grind the products with a blender into a homogeneous mass. Add honey - 200 grams of bee product per 1 kg of paste. Store it in the refrigerator and give your child 1-2 tsp. three times a day after meals.

This mixture is suitable for the prevention and treatment of anemia. It can be taken continuously. Contraindications are allergies to honey and diabetes.

Carrot

To quickly restore the level of red blood cells, prepare carrot salad for your child. Treat him with grated carrots with the addition of sour cream 1-2 times a day for three months. A serving of 50-100 grams is enough.

Alfalfa infusion

This unpretentious herb helps increase hemoglobin levels, cleanse the body of harmful substances and saturate it with beneficial vitamins and microelements.

You will need:

Dried alfalfa – 2 tbsp.
Water – 400 ml

Pour boiling water over the herb and let it brew for 10 minutes. Give the strained drink to the child 1 tbsp. three times a day.

Beet juice

You will need:

Peeled beets – 0.5 kg
Lemon juice – 2 tbsp.
Honey – 1 tsp.

Add lemon juice and honey to freshly squeezed beet juice. Children are recommended to take 50 ml of the drink once a day.

Which iron supplements are best for children?

Anemia in children 1 year old or 3 years old is treated almost the same way. Doctors usually prescribe additional iron intake and a healthy diet for the child, or his mother if he is breastfed.

Unlike medications, the natural BoostIron is safe to use. It contains no toxic metal salts that cause side reactions. If anemia is mild, many mothers start giving their child BoostIron . Vitamins C, B12 and folic acid in the supplement help iron be better absorbed.

The natural product is clinically tested and certified according to international and Russian standards. This is the best guarantee of quality and safety for such products.

You can learn more about the supplement here .

How should a child eat if he is anemic?

This is perhaps the most important component to pay attention to. In some cases, changing your diet is enough to solve the problem.

The health of an infant depends on what the mother eats. And if a woman eats more foods containing iron, her baby will quickly recover. Children who feed themselves should eat apples, legumes, whole grain bread, red meat, liver, eggs, seaweed and sea buckthorn.

Not all kids love beans or liver, but this is a matter of habit; try adding beans to first courses, and serving the liver with a tasty sauce or with something that the child really loves.

It is worth remembering that iron is better absorbed with vitamin C, so add cauliflower, sweet bell peppers, oranges, kiwi, rose hip decoction and dried fruits to your child’s diet.

If anemia is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12, it is necessary to consume kefir, natural yogurt, sea fish, cereals, vegetables and fruits more often. And if there is not enough folic acid in the body, treat your child to bananas, strawberries and apricots more often.

Add spinach, legumes to your dishes and prepare wheat porridge.

If you have low hemoglobin, you should not drink tea, because it interferes with the absorption of iron. For children with anemia, freshly squeezed juices from vegetables and fruits, rosehip decoction, compote of berries or dried fruits are more suitable.

Treatment table No. 11 is suitable for children with anemia. However, unlike the adult diet, the children's diet should be more saturated with protein products.

Pediatricians do not recommend replacing infant formula with cow's and goat's milk, because these products do not contain iron and interfere with its absorption. Experts advise adding whole milk and dairy products to your baby’s diet starting from the age of one year. Their daily intake should not exceed 300-400 ml.

Sausages and sausages are not meat products, as they do not contain protein and the necessary iron. Therefore, you should not include these products in your child’s menu. Boiled chicken or quail eggs will be much healthier.

Semolina porridge and any other porridges prepared with milk reduce the absorption of iron. This does not mean that you cannot eat them, of course you can, but not more than once a day and better separately from protein products.

Some mothers worry that iron loses its properties after heat treatment of foods, but this is not the case. So you can safely stew meat directly with vegetables, it’s both tasty and healthy.

Nutrition supplement

Of course, anemia can develop not only due to iron deficiency. The fact is that for the normal process of hematopoiesis, vitamins C, B12 and folic acid are necessary. Their deficiency leads to an increase in blood cells, but at the same time they are not able to transport oxygen throughout the body. Also, folic acid helps the gland to be better absorbed and the child’s nervous system to function properly.

I would also like to note vitamin E, which neutralizes free radicals, preserving the integrity of blood cells for their entire service life (this is approximately 6 months).

Therefore, many mothers (including me), in order to prevent the development of anemia, give their children the Ultivit Kids vitamin complex.

It contains the most important vitamins and microelements for the physical and mental development of the child, including carbonyl iron. It does not contain metal salts, therefore it is non-toxic and can be used to prevent iron deficiency anemia.

I started giving my daughter Ultivit Kids when she was one year old, the dosage was as follows:

Up to three years – 1/3 tablet once a day;
From three years - ½ tablet once a day;
From the age of seven – 1 tablet once a day.

Now we go to first grade and very rarely get sick. The most serious thing that happens is a cold, which lasts no more than 3 days and is much easier to tolerate than for other children.

Our hemoglobin levels are always normal and I am sure that this is largely thanks to Ultivit Kids. Of course, if you have existing anemia, it is better to use BoostIron, and for prevention purposes, children's vitamins are the most suitable option!

The vitamins are certified according to the GMP standard and have been clinically tested in medical institutes and centers in Russia. They enjoy the trust of not only parents, but also among such professionals as Konstantin Borisovich Zabolotny (pediatrician and family medicine doctor).

Exercises for anemia

For children with low hemoglobin levels, it is very important to move more. Physical activity improves blood circulation and nutrition of body tissues with useful substances. Walking in the fresh air, outdoor games, exercises with a skipping rope or cycling are suitable.

Also, you need to find out the cause of iron deficiency. When it is eliminated, good health and vitality will quickly return to your child!

Why does anemia occur in a child?

In young children, the causes of iron deficiency vary. Here are the most common of them:

The active growth phase in which the child’s body requires more iron.
Poor absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract due to infectious diseases (tuberculosis, pyelonephritis, etc.), parasites or fungal infections.
Lack of foods in the diet rich in iron, vitamins C and B12. An unbalanced diet is one of the most common causes of anemia.
In some cases, anemia develops due to neurodermatitis, allergies and atopic dermatitis.
Frequent bleeding caused by diseases of the internal organs.
In newborns, anemia is associated with prematurity or pathologies in women during pregnancy. For example, infectious diseases, bleeding or placental abruption.

Also, anemia can be caused by hereditary abnormalities in hemoglobin synthesis. These varieties include:

Hemoglobinopathies
Hemoglobin instability
Sickle cell anemia
Sickle cell anemia

Also, hemolytic forms of anemia in the first year of a baby’s life can develop due to Rh conflict. For example, when the Rh factor of the mother is negative, and the child is positive.

Signs of anemia in children

The doctor makes an accurate diagnosis after the test results are ready. But parents can detect the problem by the following signs:

The child becomes pale, his hair loses its shine, and jams form in the corners of his mouth. In the later stages of anemia, cracks appear on the skin of the palms and feet.
Iron deficiency reduces the body's defenses, so the baby more often suffers from colds and gastrointestinal infections.
Children with low hemoglobin levels sleep poorly, get tired quickly, and are often whiny and irritable.
As a result of anemia, the child’s digestive system functions worse. This causes problems with stool (constipation or diarrhea), nausea and vomiting.
Fainting may occur, as anemia lowers blood pressure and disrupts the heart rhythm.
Also, children may suffer from headaches, noise in the ears and dizziness.

If you find the symptoms described above in your child or he himself complains of them, consult a doctor and undergo the necessary examination! In the first stages of anemia, you can quickly and easily solve the problem.

Normahemoglobin in children from birth to 18 years

In babies from birth to 14 days, the hemoglobin level ranges from 130 to 215 g/l
From two weeks to a month the indicators range from 110 to 180 g/l
From the first to the second month – from 95 to 140 g/l
From the second to the fourth month – from 100 to 144 g/l
From four to six months – from 110 to 139 g/l
From six months to the first year of life – from 117 to 141 g/l
From one to five years – from 112 to 146 g/l
From five to ten years – from 117 to 150 g/l
From ten to fifteen years – from 115 to 147 g/l
From fifteen to eighteen years – from 120 to 155 g/l

What are the degrees of anemia in children?

Anemia in childhood varies in severity, namely:

Mild when the hemoglobin level is between 90 and 110 g/l;

Average , where hemoglobin is from 70 to 90 g/l;

Severe , in which hemoglobin decreases below 70 g/l

There are different types of anemia, but the most common form in children is iron deficiency. In the first three to four months of life, the child only needs the iron he received in reserve from his mother. However, starting from four months, the baby’s body must receive at least 8 mg of the microelement along with food. From three to twelve years, its amount should increase to 15 mg.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXx_b95C3Ng

If a woman suffered from anemia while pregnant, the child during intrauterine development did not receive enough iron, which he so needs in the first months of life after birth. Also, low iron levels are observed in children who were born prematurely.

Why is anemia dangerous for children?

Iron deficiency in childhood is especially dangerous because the brain, heart and kidneys are the first to be affected. Here are the consequences of an advanced form of anemia:

Slowing mental and physical development
Weakening of the immune system
Poor memory and absent-mindedness
Frequent illnesses
Decreased vital activity

Conclusion

It is better to engage in prevention and not lead to anemia
Diet does not always save you from anemia
To cope with anemia faster, you need to establish the cause and eliminate it
The most important conditions in treatment are adherence to a therapeutic diet and additional iron intake
Dairy products interfere with the absorption of iron, so it is better to consume them separately from meat
In order for the microelement to be better absorbed, include greens, fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet.
Give preference to supplements that contain vitamins C, B12 and folic acid
The child should lead an active lifestyle and spend more time outdoors

Treatment of anemia in a child requires an integrated approach. In this article I have collected the most necessary information. I am sure that it will be useful for you and you will easily restore and increase the health of your baby.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

Source: https://anemiya.su/lechenie-anemii-u-rebyonka

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children

The basic principles of treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children include: eliminating the causes of iron deficiency, correcting the daily routine and diet, prescribing drug therapy with iron preparations.

Daily iron requirement

The daily daily requirement of a healthy child for iron is: up to 4 months - 0.5 mg, at 5-12 months - 0.7-1.0 mg, at the 2nd year of life - 1.0-1.2 mg.B breast milk contains an average of 0.5-0.6 mg/l of iron. However, this iron is actively absorbed - 50-70%.

In addition, breast milk contains lactoferrin, which promotes this process. Yes, the indicated figure is lower than the baby’s needs, but neonatal reserves are also used in metabolism.

For an infant, the total amount of this iron is enough for up to 6 months, for a premature baby - up to 4-5 months. Cow's milk contains 0.5 mg/l of iron, of which only 10-30% is absorbed. From the rest of the food (when complementary foods are introduced), an average of 10% of the incoming iron is absorbed.

Therefore, the most common development of anemia occurs in the second half of life, in premature infants - at the end of the 1st half of the year.

By the age of 10-16 years, the daily requirement for iron increases to 12-15 mg.

Iron is distributed in the body approximately as follows:

50% - in erythrocytes;
about 10% - myoglobin iron (tissue;
approximately 30-40% is spare iron, i.e. iron of non-heme proteins (ferritin and hemosiderin - their main function is to deposit iron in various organs: liver, spleen, bone marrow, muscles);
and only 0.1% is iron transferrin (the plasma protein that transports iron).

Iron is excreted from the body through urine, feces, and sweat (0.1-0.15 mg/day; up to 1 mg/day at middle school age).

Here you need to ensure that the child spends enough time in the fresh air and has an active daily routine.

Diet for iron deficiency anemia

In a breastfed baby, breast milk has a partial “medicinal” effect. Then complementary foods by 6 months (earlier in most countries). Compliance with all feeding rules is necessary to prevent anemia. Treatment of the disease requires a significant expansion and change of the menu:

when artificial feeding, use special adapted milk formulas enriched with iron: “Nestogzhen”, “Nutrilon 2”, “Samper Baby 1 and 2”, “Detolakt”, “Enfamil with iron”, “Similac with iron”, etc.;
feed the child the following types of meat: beef, chicken, turkey, rabbit and beef tongue;
give fruits and vegetables in various forms, at the same time as taking liver, poultry and fish;
Ascorbic acid significantly helps to increase the absorption of iron, this is another need to expand the fruit menu;
among vegetables, the maximum amount of iron is found in beets (introduced into the child’s menu after the 1st year of life);
reduce the amount of fat (by 10-15%), which reduce iron absorption;
increase the amount of animal protein (by 10-15%), i.e. introduction of meat puree into the diet;
for anemia, it is undesirable to give: wheat bread, beans (peas, beans), soy, tea, coffee, cocoa, nuts, raw cereals, as well as excessive amounts of cereal products, cheese, eggs, milk and dairy products. Dietary fiber, soy protein, polyphenols, phytates, calcium, phosphates, oxalates, tannin and carbonates in their composition reduce the absorption of iron. Many of them form insoluble complexes with iron;
the processes of grinding and heating food of plant origin improves the absorption of iron.

Drug therapy for iron deficiency anemia

When treating IDA, the use of medications is strictly necessary, since it is impossible to restore the normal amount of iron with diet alone. No more than 2.5 mg/day of iron is absorbed from food products, which corresponds to the needs of a healthy child. With anemia, this, of course, is not enough.

Approximately 10-15% of divalent iron supplied with medications is absorbed, this amount is 20 times more than that received from food products. Many lactic drugs stimulate hematopoietic processes. The most optimal treatment for iron deficiency anemia is oral administration of the drug.

The advantages of this method compared to parenteral:

not characterized by frequent development of complications;
hemosiderosis does not develop (even if the dose is calculated incorrectly), especially when taking ferric iron;
Hb levels rise only 2-4 days later than with parenteral therapy.

As a result of treatment for IDA, it is necessary not only to eliminate iron deficiency, but also to restore its depot in the body. Currently, a larger number of antianemic drugs with active (elementary) iron are produced for the treatment of anemia.

Depending on the valence of iron contained in the drug, they are divided into 2 groups:

ionic salt preparations with ferrous iron;
nonionic compounds with ferric iron, which are divided into 2 subgroups:
iron (3) hydroxide-polymaltose complex (administered orally and parenterally);
iron (3) hydroxide-sucrose complex (administered intravenously); — there are various forms of release with different amounts of active iron in different preparations.

Iron supplements

Maltofer

The composition of the drug includes Fe 3 hydroxide polymaltose complex. Available in forms for internal use:

150 ml syrup contains 10 mg Fe per 1 ml;
30 ml drops containing 1 ml (20 drops) 50 mg Fe;
solution in bottles of 5 ml N10 containing 100 mg Fe in one bottle;
chewable tablets of 100 mg N30 in a blister.

Ferrum – Lek

The active component of the drug is represented by Fe 3 polymaltose complex. Presented in the following forms:

chewable tablets 100 mg N30;
syrup in a 100 ml bottle containing 50 mg of iron per 5 ml;
solution for injection in ampoules of 2 ml, containing 100 mg of Fe 3.

Ferlatum

It contains Fe 3 protein succinylate in the form of a brownish solution with a characteristic odor. The protein part of the molecule prevents irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, which reduces the likelihood of side effects. Available in 15 ml bottles containing 40 mg of active ingredient. The package contains 10 or 20 bottles with instructions for use.

Totema

A pleasant-tasting iron supplement for anemia, available in ampoules for oral use. In addition to ferrous iron, Totem contains manganese and copper.

The drug is recommended for use in children from three months of age.

Using Totem can cause darkening of the teeth and to prevent this, it is recommended to dissolve the liquid from the ampoule in water or a soft drink, and after ingestion, brush your teeth.

Sorbifer Durules

Available in tablets containing 100 mg of ferrous iron and ascorbic acid. Used as a drug for anemia for adults and children over 12 years of age.

When taking the tablet, swallow it whole, without chewing, half an hour before meals, with water.

It may affect the reaction rate, so during the course of treatment with Sorbifer, drive vehicles and other machinery with caution.

Venofer

Drug for parenteral administration. It is a combination of ferric iron with sucrose 20 mg/ml, available in ampoules of 5 ml.

Venofer is administered only intravenously in conditions requiring urgent replenishment of iron deficiency, in acute inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract, and also when oral administration of drugs for anemia is impossible or contraindicated.

For children over three years of age, no more than 0.15 mg of the drug per kg of weight is prescribed, 1-3 times every 7 days.

Gyno – Tardiferon

A widely used drug during pregnancy. Contains Fe 2 40 mg and folic acid. Release form: tablets. Can also be used to treat children over 7 years of age. When used, it is recommended to take the tablet with plenty of water.

Maltofer - instructions for using drops for children under one year of age: how to give to infants?

Iron deficiency anemia often occurs in newborns and older children. It can develop to varying degrees and harm the child’s health. With a lack of iron, the absorption of nutrients slows down.

To maintain the required level of hemoglobin in the blood, pediatricians prescribe special nutrition and iron-containing medications. The most effective and safe is Maltofer. The product is available in various forms and is suitable for treating infants.

Parents should know how much of the drug should be given to a month-old baby and older children so as not to worsen their condition.

Description of the drug Maltofer for children in drops

Maltofer is a medicine intended to replenish hemoglobin levels in the body.

The drug contains ferric iron, which has an identical composition to the molecular ferritin of breast milk. The substance is completely absorbed in the stomach, entering the circulatory system.

Thanks to the natural ingredients in the composition, it practically does not cause the development of allergic reactions.

Release form

The drug is available in the following dosage forms:

solution – 1 ml contains 20 mg of iron;
drops – active substance content is 1 ml/50 mg;
syrup – 1 ml contains 10 mg of iron;
chewable tablets - one tablet contains 100 mg of active substance;
liquid for injection - its use is indicated when other dosage forms cannot be used or are ineffective.

To treat anemia in infants, Maltofer is most often used in the form of syrup and drops. These drugs have a sweet taste and dark brown color. Drops are available in glass bottles of 10 and 30 ml.

For ease of dosing, the bottles have special dropper dispensers. The medicine in the form of syrup is sold in glass bottles of 75 and 100 ml; the box with the medicine contains instructions and a measuring cap.

Composition of the drug

The main active ingredient of Maltofer is ferric iron. Auxiliary components of the drug in the form of drops:

sodium hydroxide - necessary to give a thick form;
sucrose - to improve taste;
flavoring - to add a sweet taste and smell of vanilla;
water.

Operating principle

Hemoglobin is an important element in blood. It ensures the enrichment of all tissues of the child’s body with oxygen, promotes cellular respiration and the removal of carbon dioxide. With a lack of hemoglobin, anemia develops.

In this case, the tissues are not able to absorb nutrients, and they are excreted, because. iron molecules transport proteins, carbohydrates and microelements.

The disease negatively affects the health of children under one year of age, reduces physical activity and stops weight gain, because at an early age iron is necessary for normal growth and development.

When it enters the body, the main active substance is absorbed into the blood and penetrates the bone marrow and liver. One part of iron is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin, the other is involved in the formation of ferritin, which is used later.

Maltofer for infant

Maltofer has advantages over other iron-containing drugs used for hemoglobin deficiency:

does not stain tooth enamel (important for long-term use);
well tolerated by newborns and older children, without causing allergic reactions;
non-toxic (poisoning does not occur in case of overdose).

Indications for use

Indications for use:

iron deficiency anemia with a confirmed diagnosis (hemoglobin level less than 110 g/l);
the child being at risk (premature birth, early artificial feeding);
dystrophy;
retardation in physical development.

There is a hidden course of anemia, in which the concentration of iron in the blood serum decreases. As a rule, the analysis shows a normal hemoglobin level. The latent course of the disease manifests itself in premature babies and babies with insufficient weight gain.

Before using Maltofer during an early transition to artificial feeding, you should consult your pediatrician. Modern milk formulas are made taking into account the needs of babies for microelements; most often they are fortified with iron.

For iron deficiency anemia, taking Maltofer is mandatory. It is not possible to replenish hemoglobin levels with a properly balanced diet, even during breastfeeding, when the mother eats exclusively iron-containing foods.

This is explained by the fact that newborns in the first months of life actively consume iron obtained during intrauterine development.

When a child is born, he loses the ability to quickly receive hemoglobin from his mother, so his body needs help.

How to give correctly?

Maltofer is taken with or after meals for better absorption and assimilation. The daily dose can be divided into several doses or given in the morning in full.

For ease of use, the drug can be diluted in water, milk, juice or other liquid. You should not drink Maltofer with tea, because... it contains tannin, which impairs the absorption of iron.

Average dosage for children under one year old, according to the instructions:

for iron deficiency anemia - 10-20 drops or 2.5 - 5 ml of syrup;
for latent disease – 6-10 drops or 1.5 – 2.5 ml of syrup;
for premature birth - 2-4 drops per 1 kg of body weight, the dose is adjusted every week (the drug in syrup form is not used).

Dosage for babies over one year of age:

anemia – 20-40 drops (5-10 ml);
latent form – 10-20 drops (2.5-5 ml);
prevention – 4-6 drops (it is not recommended to use Maltofer in syrup form).

Duration of admission

The duration of treatment depends on the stage of the disease. As a rule, the drug is taken for 2-3 months, for iron deficiency anemia - 5 months.

After normalizing the level of hemoglobin in the blood, it is recommended to continue giving drops for a month. This will reduce the risk of developing a latent form of the disease and ensure a supply of iron in the body.

Infants are prescribed a preventive dose when there is a need for active consumption of iron.

Possible side effects

Dark coloration of stool is the most common side effect listed in the instructions. Most often, a change is observed in the first months of using the drug. Other reactions that occur less frequently:

pale skin;
staining of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity;
diarrhea;
constipation;
vomiting or regurgitation in infants;
allergies (appearance of rash);
stomach ache.

If adverse reactions are detected, you should consult your pediatrician. The doctor will adjust the treatment regimen or prescribe another remedy.

In what cases is the drug contraindicated?

Contraindications for use:

age up to 16 weeks;
individual intolerance to individual components of the drug (allergy);
anemia without iron deficiency;
excess hemoglobin in tissues;
pathological excretion of iron from the body;
diseases of the digestive system (esophageal stenosis);
intestinal obstruction or protrusion of its walls;
renal and liver failure;
bronchial asthma;
cardiovascular abnormalities.

special instructions

Maltofer should be used with caution in combination with other drugs:

ascorbic acid – increases iron absorption;
antacid drugs that contain aluminum, magnesium, calcium - the therapeutic effect decreases;
antibacterial agents - chelate compounds are formed, which affect the absorption of both drugs (if combination is necessary, it is necessary to maintain intervals between doses of at least an hour).

Analogs and price

The average cost of Maltofer is 200-300 rubles. If there are contraindications, it is possible to use analogues of the drug. The pediatrician will tell you which one is better to use:

Aktiferrin is a product based on ferrous sulfate and serine. Has a sweet raspberry flavor. Used to treat iron deficiency in infants. Aktiferrin is well tolerated and does not cause allergic reactions. Costs about 260 rubles.
Totema. The main active ingredient of the drug is iron, manganese and copper gluconate. Effectively copes with the symptoms of anemia, replenishing the lack of hemoglobin. Prescribed to children over 3 months. It has a number of contraindications; it should not be given if you are intolerant to fructose. May cause darkening of tooth enamel.
Ferlatum is a medicine that contains iron protein. Has no age restrictions. Used to treat latent and manifest forms of iron deficiency anemia. As the required dose increases, symptoms of poisoning may appear, such as vomiting blood, diarrhea, and pale skin.
Ferrum Lek is a preparation based on ferric iron. Available in the form of syrup, tablets and solution for injection. It is used for latent and iron deficiency anemia in children from the first months of life. Allergy development is possible.
Hemopher. The main active ingredient of the medicine is ferric chloride. Replenishes the lack of hemoglobin, stimulating its synthesis. Well tolerated by children.

Source: https://www.deti34.ru/aptechka/preparaty/maltofer-kapli-dlya-detej.html

Which iron supplements are best for children?

Let's start with the fact that iron-containing drugs for anemia in children should be prescribed by a pediatrician, taking into account the patient's age and individual tolerance of all components of the drug.

In childhood, liquid forms of iron supplements (syrup, drops) are mainly used. The therapeutic course can last from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the degree of anemia.

In some cases, the baby’s treatment may take a longer period.

Modern medications used to treat iron deficiency anemia contain the necessary amount of substance to restore hematopoiesis. Unfortunately, it is impossible to obtain a similar composition from food.

The absorption of the daily dose of medications exceeds the absorption of “dietary iron” by 20 times. Let's consider which iron-containing medications for children are most often prescribed by pediatricians.

Iron supplements for children in drops

We have already found out that a lack of iron in a child’s body entails a number of pathologies, including oxygen starvation. Poor oxygen supply to the blood vessels of the brain can lead to serious consequences.

Therefore, for iron deficiency anemia in younger children, iron supplements in the form of drops are used. Children from birth to two years old can take the following medications: Hemofer, Actiferrin, Maltofer.

They are also prescribed to premature babies, who develop anemia by the second month of life. These medications can be mixed with juice or tea.

Iron supplements for children in syrup

In the period from two to five years, for the treatment of iron deficiency, it is convenient for children to give medications in the form of syrup - Ferronal, Ferrum Lek, Actiferrin, since at this age small patients will not be able to chew or swallow tablets.

In addition, liquid iron-containing preparations are easier to use when very small doses are needed, since a measuring cap is attached to the medicine bottle.

You just need to pour the required amount of medicine into it, corresponding to the age dosage.

Iron supplements for children in tablets

Older children can take iron in tablet form to avoid yellow staining of tooth enamel. There are a lot of medications that provide the child’s body with iron: “Aktiferrin”, “Tardiferron”, “Ferrum Lek”, “Hemofer” and others. Dosage and rules of use should be discussed with your pediatrician.

The tablets should not be chewed; it is better to swallow them whole with water. Advantages are given to encapsulated drugs coated with a protective shell. They protect the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach from irritation. While taking such medications, the child's diet should be enriched with fruits, vegetables and meat products.

When choosing such medications, you should be aware that they may contain iron in divalent and trivalent forms. To absorb divalent iron, you need vitamin C, and trivalent iron requires special amino acids that can carry ions to the bone marrow.

Iron supplements for infants up to one year of age

To correct anemia in infants, the best medicine is a balanced diet, and primarily breastfeeding.

Breast milk not only contains iron in a bioavailable form, but also increases the absorption of this substance from other foods consumed at the same time.

However, if the lack of iron in the baby’s body is pronounced, then the pediatrician can prescribe treatment for anemia with the help of medications containing iron. The main ones used orally include the following medications:

ferric iron compounds - “Maltofer”, “Maltofer foul”, “Ferrum lek” and “Ferlatum”;
divalent iron compounds - “Aktiferrin”, “Ferroplex”, “Tardiferon”, “Hemofer”, “Totema”, “Iron fumarate”, “Ferronate”, etc.

In most cases, children under one year of age are prescribed liquid forms of medications. The dosage is 3 mg per day per 1 kg of body weight. Such therapy normalizes hemoglobin levels in a fairly short period of time.

Regardless of this, treatment should be continued. The average duration of the course is from 2 to 6 months: it is during this period that a sufficient supply of microelements is formed in the child’s body.

In case of severe iron deficiency anemia, the baby is prescribed injections of iron supplements.

Drugs for the treatment of anemia in children: Komarovsky

The famous pediatrician and TV presenter Dr. Komarovsky notes that the amount of iron at different periods of a child’s life fluctuates depending on gender and age needs. The average daily dose of this microelement in children is:

from birth to 1 year - from 4 to 10 mg;
from the age of 1 year to 6 years - 10 mg;
from 6 to 10 years - no more than 12 mg;
from 11 to 17 years: boys - 15 mg, girls - 18 mg.

In the first year of life, especially up to two months, most children's need for iron increases sharply. This is due to the complete replacement of fetal red blood cells with normal ones after birth. Therefore, with low hemoglobin levels in the blood, children require additional iron intake in the form of medications.

Children's bodies best absorb II valence iron in the presence of ascorbic acid. Komarovsky draws the attention of parents to the fact that a microelement with this valency is contained only in medicines. The products deliver III-valent iron, which turns into II-valent iron in the body.

The diagnosis of “mild anemia” can be made when the hemoglobin level is below 100 g/l; when the level drops below 90 g/l, moderate pathology is diagnosed, and below 70 g/l - severe.

Komarovsky recommends that parents whose children are prescribed drug treatment for anemia read the following useful information:

It is impossible to help a child cure anemia with nutritional correction alone! The use of iron supplements is always necessary.
Such medications should be taken orally, and the dose of ferrous iron should be increased gradually, starting with a fourth of the prescribed dosage.
The average daily therapeutic dose of iron for children is 2-3 mg/kg. It is divided into three steps.
Hemoglobin levels usually begin to increase after three weeks of treatment, although improvement may occur much earlier. But you cannot stop taking medications even if your baby is in apparently good health.
Hemoglobin increases at an average rate of about 10-14 g/l per week, but in most cases, it takes several months of treatment for anemia with iron supplements to restore normal blood counts in a child. Therefore, normalization of hemoglobin levels in the blood is not a reason to stop treatment: it is necessary to continue using iron supplements in a prophylactic dose for another 1.5-3 months to create iron reserves in the child’s body.
Ferrous iron preparations should be taken on an empty stomach, that is, 1-2 hours before meals.

Treatment of anemia in children, as a rule, is complex, and in addition to iron supplements, patients receive other substances that affect the hematopoietic system and metabolism - cyanocobalamin, folic acid, and some other vitamins and microelements.