My baby boy who is just one was checked for iron levels and it came up really low. I was given some advice on what to feed him to bring his iron level back up, But I was just wondering what does it really mean when your baby is low on iron. What affects them. Thanks.
Ps. I feel so bad, I really do try to feed my baby food but he is such a picky eater. I had no idea it was so low. I want to kick my self so dam bad for it. :(
2007-02-20 10:34:33 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
my daughter had the same problem when she was admitted to the hospital(she had a lot of diff probs) they gave me a prescription for enfamil iron drops, they are for babies and children and they give a little extra dose to boost iron, you can buy it anywhere, mostly drugstores have them and they will advise you on how many times a day and the correct dosage. you are not a bad mother and you shouldnt feel bad, it isnt anything your doing, sometimes babies just dont eat enough of the things they should and as long as you are introducing foods to him and making sure he gets enough foods with iron in them, they you are doing an excellent job! They also have special formulas with more iron in them, but i would do that as a last result you dont want to try a new formula that might not agree with him. good luck
2007-02-20 12:35:52 · answer #1 · answered by rachel c 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Perhaps he should still be nursing/on formula. This is very important for children 1-2 and under to make up for their lost nutrients for jsut that reason, they don't eat a wide diet.
Iron deficiency in general makes you sleepy, with a week immune system. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin. If there isn't enough iron available, hemoglobin production is limited, which in turns affects the production of red blood cells (RBCs) and the body's tissues and organs won't get the oxygen they need to function well.
Lack of iron in infants also esspecially has an effect on their brain development. The developing brain craves iron. Children with low levels of iron as infants may grow up with brain deficiencies -- even if they get early treatment, U.S. researchers reported. he may have trouble learning speach and school related subjects when older. He may also act up more then other kids. It depends on the severity.
Iron deficiency can also lead to better absorption of lead, which increases the risk of lead poisoning in kids, especially those living in older homes. The combination of IDA and lead poisoning can make kids very ill and can put them at risk for learning and behavioral problems.
Some good iron foods include spinach, meat, cereals, pasta (its enriched with iron) Raisins, Brown rice (not white), Purple grape juice, Sweet Potatoes (make oven cooked french fries out of them, kids love them.) Brocolli, Bananas, and a lot more!
Also perhaps its not all just his diet though as there is such a wide varriety of iron rich foods. He may have a problem absorbing iron, be sure to have that checked.
2007-02-20 10:54:29 · answer #2 · answered by slawsayssss 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
specific. iron is mandatory to make purple blood cells, AND muscle groups. in case you do not have sufficient iron you will experience susceptible. while you're VERY anemic, you additionally can fell constatnyl out-of-breath. you could as properly be conscious some issues which you're slow to heal. Taking iron pills is the 1st reaction to this occasion. meanwhile, the physician could having you're taking different assessments to income WHY you're anemic. Anemia might properly be a symptom of inner bleeding, kidney failure, or maximum cancers.
2016-09-29 09:41:27 · answer #3 · answered by barksdale 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't beat yourself up. nowadays it is increasingly difficult to feed children what they should eat because of all the packaged and processed foods. children are conditioned by society and media to want and like all the crap on the market. i mean look at TV it targets our youth and they feel cheated if they do not get what "everybody is eating". feed your little one fruits and veggies. spinach is very high in iron. also lean meat. children become picky when we give into them and let them have what they want instead of what they need. if he refuses to eat something you have prepared do not give in by giving him something you know he will eat. just put it up and try to give it to him later. he will eat it when he gets hungry enough. you have to set the stage for eating habits now while he is young. also maybe try a vitamin supplement at the discretion of your doc. how old is this child anyway?
2007-02-20 10:45:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He should be drinking milk with fortified iron,taking iron supplement with Vitamin C regularly and give him food rich in iron like liver and green leafy vegetables.If levels is extremely low, he needs to have a blood transfusion with packed RBC.
2007-02-20 13:41:40 · answer #5 · answered by sheila l 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How old is he? If he's still on formula try carnation good start with iron. Both my kids had high iron. Low iron i know can make their blod thin. But i'm not sure of any major health issues. Good luck
2007-02-20 10:39:22 · answer #6 · answered by allforit420 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Is he getting enough protein and milk? Maybe just start out with plainer foods and start gradually adding spices and flavors. This way you can find out what he doesn't like.
I believe iron is essential for brain development.
2007-02-20 10:38:14 · answer #7 · answered by Baby #3 due 10/13/09 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋