Question
A 3-year-old child was found to have mild anemia during a kindergarten check-up, and the parents are worried about how this may affect their child’s health. Although the child’s diet seems balanced, they often feel tired during activities. How should one handle the situation of a child with anemia?
Answer
Anemia is a common condition in children, often caused by malnutrition. Treatment for anemia involves not only medication but also a nutritional diet. Anemia can be caused by various factors, including congenital anemia, iron-deficiency anemia, and anemia resulting from poor function of the stomach, liver, kidneys, or heart. Recommended foods include lean beef, lean pork, milk, egg yolks, animal livers, animal blood, green leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which are rich in iron and vitamins to aid in iron absorption. Foods such as pork liver, egg yolks, seaweed, and black sesame are particularly effective in boosting blood. A follow-up should be scheduled one month after treatment.