Question

How should neonatal anemia be treated?

Answer

The first step in treating neonatal anemia is to determine the type of anemia and conduct blood routine and hemoglobin tests. For iron-deficiency anemia, dietary supplementation and increasing the child’s physical activity can improve the condition, with maintaining a balanced diet being the best treatment approach. Foods like animal liver, pork blood, and mixed animal and plant foods can enhance iron absorption. Supplements such as ferrous sulfate or iron oral liquids can also be used to supplement iron, while vitamin C should be taken to promote iron absorption. Physiological anemia is caused by the depletion of iron in the mother’s body and usually does not require treatment. Thalassemia is a common genetic disease in southern China. If at least one parent has mild anemia, it is generally asymptomatic and does not worsen.