The first thing a mom of a slender baby with a "aristocratic" complexion from the well-wishers will hear is the recommendation to check hemoglobin and drink iron-containing vitamins. Indeed, the child’s light weight and pallor of the skin may indicate a lack of this important trace element. Indigestion, fatigue, frequent stomatitis and “seizures”, irritability, and other symptoms may indicate the need to increase iron intake in children. In adults, they are similar. Eczema and other skin diseases can also indicate this problem. Clinically, iron deficiency is manifested by a decrease in such a laboratory parameter as hemoglobin. We will not give exact values for each category of patients, however, it is worth noting that a figure slightly different from the norm in a smaller direction, speaks of iron deficiency only in combination with other signs. So, if we talk about babies, you need to know about the physiological decrease in hemoglobin between 2 and 6 months, which is not a cause for panic in the absence of other symptoms. If a general blood test in combination with other complaints of the patient suggests iron deficiency, there are two complementary ways to make up for it: these are pharmacy food supplements and dietary correction. Next, we briefly dwell on each of them.
Preparations
By the way, the term "iron-containing vitamins" is not entirely accurate. We are talking about the so-called vitamin-mineral complexes, including such a trace element as iron. The main problem with these countless jars, offering to solve all the problems with one pill, is the possible intolerance of their individual components, as well as their controversial compatibility. So if, after the results of a blood test, it is recommended that you take iron, vitamins and minerals, it makes sense to take separately. Among the most common iron preparations are Sorbifer Durules, Ferroplex, and Actiferrin. For children, they usually recommend the same "Actiferrin", "Ferrum Lek", "Maltofer". When breastfeeding, it is often not necessary to give certain supplements to the baby if the mother takes the necessary vitamins. In this case, the doctor may prescribe iron- containing drugs to the mother.
A few words about compatibility. What can iron be combined with? Vitamins that promote its absorption are C and B2. Improves its absorption and folic acid. It does not mix well with manganese and calcium. Of course, there is no need to memorize these combinations “by heart”, because manufacturers of iron-containing preparations took this aspect into account. If you want to take iron and vitamins at the same time, there are such complexes as Iron Plus for children or Vitrum Superstress for adults.
Nutrition
Of course, we know where to get the iron. Legumes, meat, apples, blueberries ... But when it comes to food, again the question of their compatibility becomes relevant. Iron-rich meat is most useful when combined with foods rich in routine and vitamin C. The classic combination of buckwheat and meat works the best. Plant products supply us with non-heme iron. Vitamins of group B and the already mentioned ascorbic acid contribute to its absorption, so do not neglect bran, cereals and citrus fruits. But dairy products during the treatment of iron deficiency anemia is better to limit, because calcium is not the best friend of iron. We'll have to temporarily abandon caffeine, which means not only coffee, but also black tea and cola. Replace tea with a rosehip decoction, add honey - and, perhaps, tips for treating a cold will not be useful to you. And proper nutrition is not only a limitation, but also the pleasure of taking care of yourself.