Hemoglobin is a compound of iron and protein found in red blood cells. It oxygenates the tissues and transfers carbon dioxide from them to the lungs. Low hemoglobin levels in children affect physical, mental and psychological development.
Signs of low hemoglobin in a child
With a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood, a state of anemia occurs, which is expressed by low hemoglobin levels. For children under 6 years of age, hemoglobin is considered insufficient at levels less than 110 grams per liter of blood, for older ages - less than 120 grams per liter.
In a state of anemia, a child has pallor, dry skin, drowsiness, tearfulness, fatigue, irritability, and unstable stool. These signs in children are not specific, and sometimes they may be completely absent, therefore, to determine the amount of hemoglobin, blood from a finger should be taken for analysis.
In young children, low hemoglobin for a long time irreversibly inhibits intellectual, psychoemotional and psychomotor development at an older age. Taking iron-containing drugs in this case is ineffective.
Reasons for a decrease in hemoglobin in children
Hemoglobin can be low due to the following factors:
- insufficient and irrational nutrition;
- low content of iron, animal protein, vitamin B12 and folic acid in the diet;
- abnormal absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract;
- blood diseases;
- acute and chronic diseases;
- infection with worms;
- constant intake of drugs in large quantities;
- allergic reactions;
- lack of fresh air in winter.
Ways to increase hemoglobin
A healthy child will help to cope with low hemoglobin by rational nutrition, including the introduction of foods containing iron, copper and manganese into the diet.
Beef, beef and pork liver, heart, bran, egg yolk, applesauce, and buckwheat can be used to increase iron levels. Copper is found in seafood and vegetables, and manganese is found in tea, grains and beets. Together, these three components are found in wholemeal flour and nuts.
If the reason for the decrease in hemoglobin is a disease, it is impossible to cope with the lack of iron, manganese and copper in the blood with the help of food. In this case, medications containing the necessary trace elements are prescribed.
To avoid a decrease in hemoglobin, it is enough to regularly monitor it and detect changes. It is also recommended to carry out prophylaxis with preparations containing iron, and eliminate the causes that lead to a decrease in hemoglobin.
