Aplastic anemia – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Aplastic anemia is a condition that occurs when your body stops producing enough new blood cells. The condition leaves you fatigued and more prone to infections and uncontrolled bleeding.

A rare and serious condition, aplastic anemia can develop at any age. It can occur suddenly, or it can come on slowly and worsen over time. It can be mild or severe.

Treatment for aplastic anemia might include medications, blood transfusions or a stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant.

Products & Services

Symptoms

Aplastic anemia can have no symptoms. When present, signs and symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid or irregular heart rate
• Pale skin
• Frequent or prolonged infections
• Unexplained or easy bruising
• Nosebleeds and bleeding gums
• Prolonged bleeding from cuts
• Skin rash
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fever

Aplastic anemia can be short-lived, or it can become chronic. It can be severe and even fatal.

Causes

Stem cells in the bone marrow produce blood cells — red cells, white cells and platelets. In aplastic anemia, stem cells are damaged. As a result, the bone marrow is either empty (aplastic) or contains few blood cells (hypoplastic).

Bone marrow

Bone marrow is a red, spongy material inside your bones that produces blood cells.

The most common cause of aplastic anemia is from your immune system attacking the stem cells in your bone marrow. Other factors that can injure bone marrow and affect blood cell production include:

• Radiation and chemotherapy treatments. While these cancer-fighting therapies kill cancer cells, they can also damage healthy cells, including stem cells in bone marrow. Aplastic anemia can be a temporary side effect of these treatments.
• Exposure to toxic chemicals. Toxic chemicals, such as some used in pesticides and insecticides, and benzene, an ingredient in gasoline, have been linked to aplastic anemia. This type of anemia might improve if you avoid repeated exposure to the chemicals that caused your illness.
• Use of certain drugs. Some medications, such as those used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and some antibiotics, can cause aplastic anemia.
• Autoimmune disorders. An autoimmune disorder, in which your immune system attacks healthy cells, might involve stem cells in your bone marrow.
• A viral infection. Viral infections that affect bone marrow can play a role in the development of aplastic anemia. Viruses that have been linked to aplastic anemia include hepatitis, Epstein-Barr, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19 and HIV.
• Pregnancy. Your immune system might attack your bone marrow during pregnancy.
• Unknown factors. In many cases, doctors aren’t able to identify the cause of aplastic anemia (idiopathic aplastic anemia).

Connections with other rare disorders

Some people with aplastic anemia also have a rare disorder known as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, which causes red blood cells to break down too soon. This condition can lead to aplastic anemia, or aplastic anemia can evolve into paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Fanconi’s anemia is a rare, inherited disease that leads to aplastic anemia. Children born with it tend to be smaller than average and have birth defects, such as underdeveloped limbs. The disease is diagnosed with the help of blood tests.

Risk factors

Aplastic anemia is rare. Factors that can increase risk include:

• Treatment with high-dose radiation or chemotherapy for cancer
• Exposure to toxic chemicals
• The use of some prescription drugs — such as chloramphenicol, which is used to treat bacterial infections, and gold compounds used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
• Certain blood diseases, autoimmune disorders and serious infections
• Pregnancy, rarely

Prevention

There’s no prevention for most cases of aplastic anemia. Avoiding exposure to insecticides, herbicides, organic solvents, paint removers and other toxic chemicals might lower your risk of the disease.

Iron Deficiency Anemia | Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

What is Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Anemia is a condition where the body has a low number of red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia happens when there is not enough iron in the body to make red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of anemia.

Red Blood Cells and Iron

• Red blood cells use iron to make a protein called hemoglobin.
• Hemoglobin in the red blood cells takes oxygen from the lungs to the body.
• Children and young adults who do not have enough iron in their bodies can develop iron deficiency anemia.

Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia

When people do not have enough iron, they make fewer red blood cells and can develop anemia.

Causes of Low Iron

• Diets low in iron, from:
  • Not eating enough foods with iron in them
  • Drinking too much cow’s milk
  • Following a diet that does not offer a balance of vitamins and nutrients
  • Only breastfeeding after 6 months of age without starting solid food
• Difficulty with iron absorption:
  • Certain gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders can cause the body to have problems taking in the nutrients from food.
• Blood loss that can be caused by:
  • Heavy menstrual periods
  • Bleeding inside the body, such as in the stomach, intestines or urine
• The body’s need for more iron during times when regular amounts of iron in the diet may not be enough. Examples include:
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Women that are pregnant or breastfeeding need higher than normal amounts of iron.
  • Premature birth: Babies that are premature, or born before their due date, need more iron than other babies.
  • Growth spurts: Children under the age of 3 can grow so fast that their bodies need more iron than what they eat. This can happen when their diets do not include enough foods with iron.

Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Many people with mild anemia may not have any symptoms. As anemia becomes more severe, a person may have some of the symptoms listed below:

• Weakness or feeling tired
• Pale skin
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Fingernail changes
• Cold hands and feet
• Fast heartbeat
• Shortness of breath or fast breathing
• Irritability and behavioral changes
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Delays with child development or problems with school performance
• Unusual cravings such as eating dirt or ice (pica)

Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia may be suspected based on diet, symptoms of anemia, and a physical exam. Iron deficiency anemia can be confirmed by the following tests:

• A Complete Blood Count (CBC):
• Checks the amount of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood.
• Blood Smear:
• Looks at the red blood cells with a microscope. The red blood cells in iron deficiency anemia can be small and have less color.
• Iron studies:
• Checks the amount of iron in the blood and the amount of iron stored in the body (ferritin).

Additional tests may be needed to find the cause of iron deficiency anemia. Stool tests to check for hidden blood may be needed. Most stool tests are collected at home and returned to the outpatient lab. Families will receive instructions on how to collect these tests.

Treatment for Iron Deficiency Anemia

Finding out the cause is the first step in the treatment. Once the cause is identified, possible treatments include:

• Iron supplements in a pill or a liquid
• Iron that is given through a vein (intravenous):
  • This can be given in some cases, such as when a child cannot take iron by mouth.
• Making changes to your child’s diet such as:
  • Stopping or giving less cow’s milk
  • Eating more foods that are rich in iron
• Blood transfusions (for someone whose anemia and symptoms are severe)
• Treatments to reduce heavy menstrual periods
• Treating a disease that has contributed to the anemia

Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia

• Eat a balanced diet of vitamins and nutrients
• Eating more foods with iron such as:
  • Meats: beef, chicken, pork and seafood
  • Vegetables: mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, potatoes with skin, peas, green beans
  • Other: fortified breads, cereals and pastas, raisins, nuts, eggs (yolks), dried apricots, watermelon
• Stopping or drinking less cow’s milk
  • Drinking too much milk can make it harder for the body to take in iron.
  • Drinking too much milk can cause children to fill up on the liquid. This can lead them to eat less solid food. Eating less healthy foods with iron can cause anemia.
  • Toddlers should not have more than 6-20 ounces of cow’s milk in a day.

Hematology Clinic Visits

If you or a medical professional believe that your child may have iron deficiency anemia, you can make an appointment for a hematology clinic visit at Cincinnati Children’s Cancer and Blood Disease Institute. There, patients will:

• Meet with the different team members
• Have a physical exam
• Have blood tests

Hematology Team

Hematologist

• An expert in the care of iron deficiency anemia
• Completes physical exams
• Makes treatment plans
• Prescribes treatment medications

Physician’s Assistant

• Completes physical exams
• Makes treatment plans
• Prescribes treatment medications

Nurse Care Manager

A nurse who:

• Is the main link between you or your child and the team
• Helps with :
  • Appointments
  • Routine tests
• Connects patients to other specialties

Social Worker

• Helps with:
  • Problems with family, school and work
  • Insurance and financial issues
  • Resources in the community
• Supports children and families in a time of need

Child Life Specialist

• Teaches about the growth and development of your child
• Helps your child know what to expect before procedures
• Supports your child through procedures

Dietitian

• Counsels families on:
  • Healthy eating
  • Basic nutrition
  • Meal planning

Last Updated 02/2023

Reviewed By Lisa Littner

Request an Appointment at the Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute

It’s important to try to encourage a healthy diet because young children can be at risk for developing anemia.

Read Our Blog

Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which the amount of red blood cells and / or hemoglobin in them is reduced in the blood. This deficiency affects the function of transporting oxygen.

Analyzes

Type A gastritis and pernicious anemia (APC and AVF)

5-6 days (except Saturday, Sunday)

from 1 795 ₽

Add to cart

90 002
This is one of the main results of blood circulation – it delivers O2 molecules to the tissues through the arteries and, thanks to the venous outflow, removes waste materials, including carbon dioxide. The main gas exchange occurs in the alveoli – the final formations of the bronchial tree. This is the part of the respiratory system where the blood releases some gases and takes in others. The insufficiency of this process leads to hypoxia – a reduced supply of oxygen to the tissues. This affects all processes in the body, the state of tissues and the cellular mechanism. Without the presence of oxygen, chemical reactions do not take place and energy exchange does not occur.

Outwardly, this is manifested by various clinical signs:

• pallor;
• weakness;
• increased heart rate and breathing – the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen;
• the possibility of loss of consciousness;
• decrease in working capacity;
• flashing “flies” before the eyes;
• dizziness;
• noise in ears;
• irritability;
• dyspnea.

These signs are the reason to go to a medical center for testing. Anemia is often a manifestation of pathology, since in itself, most often, it is a symptom. A full examination will show the cause of the condition and allow effective treatment to begin.

Anemia classification

There are several types of anemia, depending on the origin and pathogenesis of development. Understanding the nature of anemia will allow you to determine the tactics of treatment, since different types of this pathology have a different source of origin. Even a general blood test for different anemias is somewhat different – for this it is necessary to take into account not only the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin, but also the color index, the size of erythrocytes, hematocrit and other research parameters. In some cases, a more detailed examination of the patient, clinical diagnosis, is required in order to say exactly what caused the disease.

Let us consider in more detail the types of anemia and the causes of their occurrence.

• Iron deficiency anemia is quite common, as many people around the world are iron deficient. The development of anemia depends on the degree of this insufficiency. A lack of glands can occur when there is a lack of it in food, with an increased consumption of iron by the body, as well as with some features of the digestive tract, when iron is not fully absorbed. It is the reduced amount of iron that leads to the development of 70% of all anemias, so that all other causes account for only 30% of this pathology. The basis of pathogenesis is a violation of the formation of hemoglobin, in which the iron molecule plays the main role. A reduced amount of protein that carries the blood affects the state of the body. Lack of oxygen has common signs of anemia, but with iron deficiency there are still some specific symptoms – hair loss, problems with nails, worsening of the heart, digestive tract. Sometimes there are distorted taste preferences – the desire to eat chalk or paint. This is all due to iron deficiency. The disease is more often observed in children, women during pregnancy, elderly patients. Laboratory diagnosis of iron deficiency involves an analysis of blood proteins that carry iron, the ability of blood serum to bind the trace element and other indicators that complement the usual diagnostic program for anemia.

• B12 deficiency anemia occurs when there is a deficiency in the body of the corresponding vitamin, which is contained in animal products, in particular meat. This explains the fact that the disease often occurs in those who have refused to use such products. This vitamin is the main participant in the formation of new blood cells – erythrocytes. The cause of the pathology may lie in endogenous factors – for example, with a deficiency of the Castle factor. It is a protein that is produced by the cells of the gastric mucosa and promotes the body’s intake of the vitamin from food. Anemia can occur after surgery, during which part of the intestine or stomach is removed. It could also be a vitamin deficiency. As a rule, a certain supply of a substance in the body is designed for several years, which explains the fact that the development of anemia occurs gradually even after a change in eating habits. The cause may be an inflammatory process in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, taking certain medications, a violation of the transport of the vitamin from the blood into the intracellular space, as well as an increased consumption of the vitamin by the body. In addition to the general symptoms of anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency causes ulcers on the oral mucosa, a violation of innervation, which is manifested by a deterioration in sensitivity, tingling and numbness, impaired memory and thinking. Additional tests involve an assessment of the amount of vitamin in the body, the study of pathologies that lead to its deficiency. The treatment will also be specific – it consists in the additional use of vitamin preparations, the normalization of the state of the digestive organs. Vitamin B12 is involved not only in the formation of red blood cells – its functions in the body are diverse, which is reflected in multiple complications of anemia, if the condition is not corrected.

• Folate deficiency anemia develops as a result of a deficiency of folic acid, a vitamin that, like B12, is involved in the formation of new red blood cells. Folic acid is also called vitamin B9. The lack of this substance in the body occurs with a reduced consumption of foods that contain it, sometimes this occurs against the background of alcohol abuse. Violation of vitamin absorption is observed in the pathology of digestion, during frequent urination, against the background of taking drugs that slow down the metabolism of vitamin B9. An increased consumption of folic acid accompanies oncological diseases, hematopoietic disorders, and infectious pathology. Symptoms of hypoxia in this type of anemia are supplemented by stool disorders, numbness in the muscles of the arms and legs, weakness of muscle tissue, distortion of taste perception, and emotional lability. Laboratory diagnosis of folate deficiency anemia includes such specific methods as the study of the level of the substance, as well as vitamin B12. In addition to laboratory tests, it is necessary to clarify the cause of the development of such a condition, for which instrumental studies are carried out. Establishing the cause will make the treatment more effective and speed up its result. Complications of anemia include a lack of other blood elements, the occurrence of many ulcerative necrotic processes, nausea and vomiting, and a decrease in the body’s immune defenses.

• Post-hemorrhagic anemia , if translated literally, means that the condition has developed after bleeding and associated blood loss. Violation of the integrity of blood vessels is the cause of internal and external bleeding. Depending on the intensity of the process and the rate of blood loss, anemia develops – a lack of red blood cells and, accordingly, a lack of oxygen transport. This can be determined by clinical signs – after blood loss, a person becomes pale, feels weak and has tinnitus. Of course, it is easier to determine blood loss when it is clearly accompanied by visible blood leakage. But, in some cases, the process is not so obvious. We are talking about internal bleeding, which can occur in the digestive organs, urogenital area, respiratory organs. It is not so fast to determine them; this requires diagnostic methods, including instrumental and laboratory ones. If blood loss passes in a short time, it is more dangerous for the body, vital functions are disturbed. Posthemorrhagic anemia occurs either after the loss of a significant volume of circulating blood, or with permanent damage to the blood vessels, which most often occurs in the internal organs. Significant surgical intervention, pathological menstruation, trauma, and pathology of the digestive tract can be the cause. In this case, it is possible to determine the mechanism of anemia by characteristic features in the general blood test, as well as due to a detailed examination of the body.

• Megaloblastic anemia combines pathologies associated with deficiency of folic acid and vitamin B12. In a blood test, this is displayed by an increase in the color index – this does not happen with other types of anemia. The concentration of hemoglobin in each erythrocyte increases, megaloblasts appear in the bone marrow, and the size of erythrocytes increases. In the blood serum, an increase in the concentration of iron can be observed.

• Hemolysis – the process of destruction of red blood cells, resulting in a corresponding, hemolytic anemia. The destruction of red blood cells leads to the formation of bilirubin, an extremely toxic substance that can lead to intoxication of the body. Such anemia is congenital and acquired. Congenital tendency to hemolysis accompanies intrauterine development mutations, genetic pathologies. Acquired pathology occurs against the background of an infectious process, disruption of the liver, taking certain medications, transfusion of incompatible blood. Recognize hemolytic anemia at the clinical stage is possible by the following signs: icteric color of the skin, convulsions, fever, an increase in the size of the liver and spleen. Diagnosis includes laboratory and instrumental methods that will confirm the specificity of anemia and indicate its cause. Depending on the cause of hemolysis, treatment tactics are selected, therefore it is so important to establish what led to this condition.

• Hypoplastic anemia – a disease in which the synthesis of all blood cells is impaired. Sometimes only a deficiency of red blood cells can occur. In any case, hypoxia is observed, a violation of oxygen transport in the tissues. This type of anemia can also be congenital or acquired. Among the causes are genetic mutations, exposure to radiation, chemotherapy, poisoning with certain substances, drugs. Clinical manifestations of hypoplastic anemia occur gradually and very slowly. In addition to the usual symptoms of anemia, one can distinguish a decrease in immunity, the occurrence of multiple inflammatory, purulent, necrotic processes, slow wound healing, and frequent colds. There may be hemorrhages with minor damage to the vessel, bleeding. It is necessary to study the internal organs, lymph nodes, bone marrow. Aplastic anemia has a characteristic clinical picture, specific changes in the analyzes. Treatment is carried out with potent drugs, and sometimes surgical methods are also needed. The main point is the timeliness of the start of treatment – the earlier it is started, the better the recovery rates and prognosis.

Anemia occurs in the chronic course of infectious, oncological and inflammatory pathologies. May be associated with a violation of iron synthesis, a reduction in the life of red blood cells, increased consumption of certain substances, chronic blood loss. It is necessary to determine the type of anemia, which is possible with the help of a laboratory test, and also to establish the cause of its occurrence. The treatment of the underlying disease can be supplemented by replenishing the deficiency of certain substances, which will speed up the healing process and improve the quality of life of the patient. The chronic course of the pathology implies the slow onset of symptoms. This suggests that it is necessary to be attentive to changes in various organs and systems and to seek medical help in a timely manner. If the symptoms are disturbing for a long time, it is necessary to undergo a full and comprehensive diagnosis.

Modern methods for diagnosing anemia

For the diagnosis of anemia, laboratory and instrumental research methods are used. For proper treatment, it is important to determine not only the fact of anemia and its type, but also the cause of this condition. Detection of the disease is best done in the early stages of the process and do this using a variety of diagnostic methods. A complete picture of the state of the body gives a more complete understanding of the pathology. Only after a qualitative examination can an effective treatment be prescribed.

• The main method for diagnosing anemia is complete blood count. with it, you can determine the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin, their ratio, color index, hematocrit, red blood cell diameter and other indicators. Sometimes, other indicators of the general blood test – the levels of other blood cells, ESR – can tell about the cause of the pathology. This analysis is given first of all if anemia is suspected. Depending on its results, other diagnostic methods are prescribed.

• Biochemical blood test will determine the level of serum iron, proteins that carry it, the amount of vitamins B12 and B9. It is biochemical analysis that helps to calculate the level of bilirubin and its fractions. thus, this manipulation is required to clarify the type of anemia. The analysis allows you to evaluate most of the processes in the body, provides comprehensive information about the work of internal organs.

• Study of free protoporphyrin in erythrocytes determines the ability of erythrocytes to carry oxygen and allows you to determine the causes of anemia. Impaired heme binding is observed in acute intoxications and can be detected using this technique.

• Analysis of bone marrow puncture shows the presence of blasts – precursors of blood cells. Diagnosis is used to confirm or rule out aplastic anemia. In addition, levels of other missing cells need to be corrected. The study is combined with other diagnostic methods. Early initiation of treatment improves the prognosis for the patient and is possible only after a qualitative diagnosis.

• Study of the acidity of gastric juice (pH-metry) is necessary for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. It is necessary to determine for what reason the absorption of iron in the intestine is disturbed and for this purpose this diagnosis is carried out. Increased production of gastric juice negatively affects other functions of the body, leads to a chronic change in the mucous membrane and causes secondary disorders.

• The presence of parasites in the body leads to an increased consumption of most of the nutrients and can cause anemia. Their search is also included in the program for diagnosing anemia. It is the worms that can provoke the development of megaloblastic, iron deficiency anemia. In addition, a parasitic infection negatively affects other organs and systems, leading to chronic impairment of many functions.

• Examination of feces for occult blood allows you to determine the blood loss, due to which post-hemorrhagic anemia occurs. Also, blood loss is a sign of gastrointestinal pathology, which must be detected and treated. If you delay in finding the cause of anemia, the disease can progress, and the later stage of the process, the more difficult it is to treat.

• X-ray and endoscopic examination is necessary to identify the source of bleeding that led to anemia. This examination allows you to find a pathology that needs to be corrected not only for the treatment of anemia, but also for the full health of the body.

Reasons to undergo diagnostics at SZTsDM JSC

The laboratory of the center is equipped with the latest diagnostic equipment. Analyzes are performed quickly and efficiently. The staff of medical centers employs highly qualified specialists, which allows us to make diagnostics versatile and effective. The patient can not only establish the fact of anemia, but also undergo an extended body check, as well as treatment. For our doctors, there is no disease of a separate system – they assess the full condition of the patient and treat him, not pathology.

Anemia in children | Children’s City Hospital

What is anemia

Anemia is a decrease in the total concentration of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. The task of red blood cells is to deliver oxygen to the tissues of the body. Therefore, with a decrease in their number, the body suffers from the so-called hypoxia – lack of oxygen. Children are especially sensitive to a decrease in hemoglobin.

According to statistics, anemia occurs in 15% of children. Anemias are very different – some are associated with a lack of B vitamins, others – with a lack of folic acid. But the vast majority of anemia develops due to iron deficiency. These anemias are called iron deficiency, and they are the most common (about 90% of all anemias). Let’s talk about iron deficiency anemia today.

Causes and symptoms of anemia

Causes of iron deficiency anemia are divided into three groups.

The first is the situation of blood loss. This includes bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, menstrual bleeding, and any other blood loss.

The second group includes the lack of iron. And although this is possible only when fasting, this happens in children. For example, when vegetarian parents intentionally deprive their child of meat food – the main source of heme iron.

The next group of causes is iron malabsorption. With some diseases of the stomach or intestines, after abdominal operations on the gastrointestinal tract. The fact is that iron is absorbed mainly in the duodenum and in the upper sections of the small intestine. Therefore, any problems with these parts of the gastrointestinal tract can provoke anemia.

Anemia can also occur when there is insufficient production of red blood cells, impaired functioning and premature destruction of red blood cells.

Your child is pale, gets tired quickly, complains of muscle weakness, dizziness. These are the first signs of anemia. Such situations are typical for both schoolchildren and preschool children. Attentive parents will immediately go to see the doctor. If anemia is started, then soon your child will become inactive, cracks will appear in the corners of the mouth, the tongue will become smooth and glossy, “flies” will flash before the eyes. There will be perversions in food desires, especially the desire to lick nails and other metal objects.

Your task as parents and as your doctor is to identify its type, causes and eliminate iron deficiency.

Diagnosis and treatment of anemia

In order to confirm the diagnosis of anemia, you need to pass an elementary general blood test (from a finger). According to its results, it will be seen how critical the condition of the child is. If hemoglobin (HGB) is between 90 and 110, it is mild anemia; 90-70 – anemia of moderate severity; a score below 70 is a warning sign of severe anemia. Pay attention to the number of erythrocytes in the blood (RBC). Their norm for children is 4.0-7×1012 (depending on age).

A very important indicator of anemia is the color index of the blood. Normally, it should be equal to one. If its value is higher than 1.05, it becomes clear that anemia is caused by a deficiency of B vitamins or folic acid. If the CPU is less than 0.85, iron deficiency anemia is suspected. There are other criteria based on which the diagnosis of IDA is made, but we will provide their analysis to a knowledgeable doctor.

After the diagnosis, the doctor must determine the cause of the anemia, and you must help him with this. Be sure to tell your doctor if suddenly your child does not eat meat or fish, if he has gastrointestinal diseases (ulcerative and pre-ulcerative bowel conditions). It is very important to find out and eliminate the root cause of anemia, otherwise no treatment will give results, and after a few months anemia will reappear. Treatment of anemia should be comprehensive. Diet can eliminate only a small lack of iron, more serious situations require complex treatment that combines both a special diet and medications. But more on that later.

Treatment should ONLY be prescribed by a physician. And it is better if it is a qualified hematologist. An excess of iron is just as dangerous for a child’s body as its deficiency. Therefore, self-medicating, you run the risk of seeing overdose symptoms – cramps, vomiting and diarrhea.

Modern iron preparations are available in easy to take forms such as syrups, drops and even chewable tablets. For mild anemia, oral medication is sufficient. Moreover, it is better to drink them with juice, and be sure to take them outside of food! If the anemia is severe, hospital treatment, parenteral administration of drugs, and sometimes even blood transfusion are indicated. Therefore, do not risk the health of children and, at the slightest suspicion, seek medical help.

Nutrition for anemia. Prevention of anemia

Understanding the mechanism of absorption of iron from various sources is important for the formation of the correct principles of nutrition for a child.