Children with iron-deficiency anemia can quickly replenish iron through dietary adjustments and iron supplementation. Common causes include insufficient iron intake, malabsorption, or increased iron requirements. Eat plenty of iron-rich foods such as red meat, animal liver, and dark green vegetables, along with vitamin C to promote iron absorption. If necessary, take iron supplements under the guidance of a doctor.
1. Red meat and animal liver are good sources of iron, especially heme iron, which has a high absorption rate. Beef, lamb, pork, and animal livers such as chicken and pork liver are rich in iron and are suitable for children to eat in moderation.
2. Dark green vegetables such as spinach, amaranth, and rapeseed contain non-heme iron. Although the absorption rate is low, pairing them with foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes, can improve the efficiency of iron absorption.
3. Beans and nuts are also good choices for iron supplementation, such as black beans, red beans, lentils, walnuts, and almonds, which are suitable as children's daily snacks or side dishes.
4. If a child has a severe iron deficiency, the doctor may recommend taking iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous fumarate. These should be taken on time as prescribed by the doctor, and should be avoided on an empty stomach to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort.
5. Avoid consuming foods that affect iron absorption at the same time, such as strong tea, coffee, and milk. Some components in these foods can hinder iron absorption. It is recommended to consume them at intervals from iron-containing foods.
Children with iron-deficiency anemia should improve their symptoms through a balanced diet and necessary iron supplementation, while regularly monitoring their blood count to ensure iron levels return to normal and prevent recurrence.