What medicine should children take if they are iron deficient?
In recent years, the problem of iron deficiency in children has attracted much attention from parents. Iron deficiency will not only affect the growth and development of children, but may also lead to anemia, reduced immunity and other problems. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with detailed answers on what medicines children should take for iron deficiency, and provide structured data reference.
1. The dangers of iron deficiency in children
Iron deficiency is one of the common nutritional deficiencies in children, and its main symptoms include pale complexion, easy fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Long-term iron deficiency may lead to anemia and even affect intellectual development. Therefore, timely iron supplementation is crucial.
2. What medicine should children take for iron deficiency?
The following are common iron supplement drugs and precautions for children:
| Drug name | Applicable age | dose | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ferrous sulfate | 1 year old and above | 3-6mg/kg/day | Take after meals and avoid taking it with milk |
| Ferrous gluconate | More than 6 months | 1-2mg/kg/day | Good taste, suitable for infants and young children |
| Ferrous fumarate | 2 years old and above | 2-4mg/kg/day | High absorption rate, small gastrointestinal reaction |
| polysaccharide iron complex | 3 years and above | 50-100mg/day | High safety and few side effects |
3. Principles for Selection of Iron Supplement Drugs
1. Choose according to age: Children of different ages have different absorption and tolerance of iron, so appropriate dosage forms should be selected.
2. Depending on the degree of iron deficiency: Mild iron deficiency can be adjusted through diet, while moderate and severe iron deficiency requires drug intervention.
3. Consider the taste: Children are sensitive to the taste of medicines, so they can choose preparations with better taste.
4. Pay attention to side effects: Some iron supplements may cause constipation, nausea, etc., so close observation is required.
4. Dietary recommendations during iron supplementation
| food category | Recommended food | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| animal food | Red meat, animal liver, blood products | Contains heme iron, high absorption rate |
| plant food | Spinach, black fungus, sesame seeds | Contains non-heme iron and requires vitamin C |
| Promote absorption | Citrus fruits, kiwi | Vitamin C improves iron absorption |
| avoid sharing food | Strong tea, coffee, milk | Inhibit iron absorption |
5. Precautions for iron supplementation
1. Regular review: Routine blood test should be reviewed after 2-4 weeks of iron supplementation to evaluate the efficacy.
2. Adequate course of treatment: It usually takes 3-6 months to replenish iron stores.
3. Focus on prevention: For high-risk children (premature infants, low-birth-weight infants, etc.), preventive iron supplementation can be used.
4. Professional guidance: Please consult your doctor before taking medication and never self-administer medication.
6. Latest research progress
According to recent studies, new iron preparations such as microencapsulated iron and nano-iron have better bioavailability and fewer gastrointestinal side effects, but their current application in children requires more clinical data support.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will iron supplements cause teeth to turn black?
A: Some iron supplements may cause temporary staining of teeth. It is recommended to take them with a straw or rinse your mouth after taking them.
Q: Is it normal for the stool to turn black after taking iron supplements?
A: This is a normal phenomenon. It is caused by unabsorbed iron being excreted in the feces. There is no need to worry.
Q: Can I supplement calcium and iron at the same time?
A: Calcium will inhibit iron absorption, so it is recommended to take it at least 2 hours apart.
The problem of iron deficiency in children cannot be ignored. Rational use of medication combined with dietary adjustment is the key to improving iron deficiency. I hope this article can provide you with valuable reference information.
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