Question

An 8-month-old baby has been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, often cries at night, has constipation, and shows slower growth in weight and height.

Answer

The cause of iron deficiency anemia may be insufficient iron intake combined with increased demand, especially during the growth stage of young children and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Firstly, it should be confirmed whether hemoglobin tests have been conducted. If diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, the following measures can be taken:

  1. Take ferrous fumarate supplements and take them with vitamin C to promote iron absorption.
  2. Adjust the diet to increase the intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat, liver, dark green vegetables, and nuts.
  3. After taking iron supplements, reticulocytes usually start to rise within 5 to 10 days, and hemoglobin levels begin to rise after 2 weeks. On average, it takes 2 months to restore normal levels, but it is recommended to continue taking iron supplements for 3 to 6 months after hemoglobin returns to normal to store iron in the body.