Young children in the first year of life are often prone to anemia, which is the result of insufficient levels of hemoglobin in the blood. Anemia is quite dangerous for a child, as it leads to a decrease in immunity and body resistance and slows down the development of the child. Its level can usually be determined by the results of routine blood tests. A pediatrician who finds low is often advised to start taking special medications in order to increase hemoglobin in children in the blood.

However, in many cases, this measure is extreme, and not every mother wants to stuff her child with medicines from an early age. Very often, you can increase hemoglobin in children in the blood by adding natural products to the children's diet that stimulate its production.

Foods that can increase hemoglobin in children.

• all cereals, except semolina, especially buckwheat (record holder for iron content) and all legumes (lentils, beans);
• white chicken meat, beef liver, heart, tongue;
• red fruits - apples, red varieties of plums, pomegranates, pears, peaches, raw and dried apricots, quinces, persimmons;
• onions, all fresh green vegetables, tomatoes, new potatoes with skin, spinach, pumpkin and, of course, beets;
• bright red-black berries: strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, (even a frozen store mix will do);
• all kinds of freshly squeezed natural juices from red vegetables and fruits - beetroot, carrot, pumpkin, pomegranate;
• a lot of iron is found in egg yolk, caviar, seafood, large red raisins, dried fruits such as dried apricots or dates. You can give your child a hematogen, but in this case, you should choose not modern sweet tiles, but a natural product with a minimum of additives and sweeteners. All these remedies can successfully replace traditional medicines and increase hemoglobin in children to the desired level.

When choosing foods high in iron and vitamins for a child, it is worth remembering that you cannot offer him those that cause allergies.

Like a child with the help of folk remedies:

Recipe 1: take 1 cup (250 ml) of rosehip infusion, add a couple of drops of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of natural honey (if not allergic). Such a healthy vitamin drink contains a huge amount of hemoglobin and vitamin C. You need to drink it on an empty stomach, half a glass is enough for a child;

Recipe 2: We take walnuts, dried apricots, natural honey, large sweet raisins (in a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 1) grind in a blender, mix into porridge and give the child a few tablespoons of the mixture every day. In addition to increasing the level of hemoglobin in the blood, such a cocktail of dried fruits also saturates the baby's body with all the necessary vitamins.

Recipe 3: 1/2 cup freshly squeezed apple juice (preferably red apples), 1/4 cup and 1/4 cup carrot juice. We mix the juices and let the child drink half an hour before feeding. Before this, you need to give the child a spoonful of sour cream or baby cream, since fat is necessary for proper absorption. This juice cannot be stored, so the indicated norms must be broken down into a day.

Recipe 4: grind a cup of walnuts and a glass of raw thoroughly washed buckwheat in a blender, add 1 glass of natural honey to the mixture, mix everything. Give your baby 1 tablespoon of the mixture every day. It can also be used by a nursing mother - it perfectly supports the heart and stimulates lactation. For children, it is enough to consume 1 tablespoon daily.

As you can see, if the situation is not critical, then it is quite possible with simple healthy and natural products, which, moreover, will still be sources of energy and vitamins for a growing organism.

Means for increasing hemoglobin in a child in the blood are extremely diverse - you just have to choose the one that suits your baby.

The level of hemoglobin in the blood of a child is a variable value. It is important that it does not fall below the limit values. Sometimes the test results raise a lot of questions from parents. What to do if the baby's hemoglobin is low? Is it possible to increase its level at home? What are the consequences if nothing is done? We will talk about all this in order.

The level of hemoglobin in the blood of a child can constantly change

Normal hemoglobin levels

Hemoglobin (HGB) is a special blood protein, the molecules of which are contained in red blood cells - erythrocytes. To begin with, it is worth finding out which HGB readings are the norm. Our table shows the boundary values ​​\u200b\u200bof this indicator, which depend on the age of the child.

HGB levels can fluctuate depending on how physically active the child is and also on their health status. Also, the amount of this protein is affected by the nutrition of the baby, the quality of sleep. If a child does not receive enough vitamins, proteins, microelements with food, moves a little and does not go for a walk, his analysis will be worse - hemoglobin will be underestimated.

Factors Affecting HGB Levels

Low levels of HGB are called anemia or anemia by doctors. The reasons for this diagnosis can be different, they are divided into three main groups:

1. post-transfusion - if anemia is due to blood loss;
2. violation of the production of a sufficient number of red blood cells - erythrocytes;
3. due to destruction of red blood cells.

The reason for low hemoglobin may not be a small number of red blood cells, but their intense destruction

The first group of patients usually have a chronically low hemoglobin level, since blood loss occurs constantly. For example, during gastric bleeding, with hemorrhoids. Babies also sometimes fall into this group. Basically, this situation occurs when a baby up to a year old receives cow's milk. It has been proven that the molecules of this product are much larger than those of human milk. They get on the gastric mucosa and injure it. Red blood cells enter the intestines and are excreted during bowel movements, as a result, the level of HGB falls.

The second cause of anemia - a violation of the production of red blood cells - can occur in different cases. We list the main ones:

• Most diagnoses of "anemia" are due to a deficiency of any substances, most often iron. It is important that this microelement enters the body in sufficient quantities along with the products. It also happens that the patient has impaired iron absorption in the small intestine, and this does not allow it to be absorbed at the proper level. Lack of vitamins B9 and B12 can also cause anemia.
• Another source of disruption in the production of red blood cells can be a malfunction of the bone marrow - hemoblastosis.

The destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis) is the third culprit in persistent anemia. We list the possible causes of this condition:

• genetic predisposition. A child can inherit such diseases as a violation of the structure of red blood cells or the structure of a protein molecule - hemoglobin.
• Sometimes the immune system perceives its own red blood cells as foreign, which leads to their destruction. It can be a congenital disease, or it can occur after heart valve replacement, taking certain medications.

The reason for the violation of the selectivity of immunity may be the use of certain medications.

In addition to these reasons, there are other factors that can lead to a decrease in hemoglobin levels. For example, there are diseases, one of the symptoms of which can be low HGB:

• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. With certain problems with the gastrointestinal tract, iron deficiency sometimes occurs in the body. At the same time, a person can get enough of it, properly and fully eating. The root of the problem is that this microelement, as well as vitamins and amino acids, can be poorly absorbed either in the stomach or in the intestines, due to gastritis or enteritis.
• Liver diseases. This organ, like the bone marrow, is directly involved in the processes of hematopoiesis. Liver problems often lead to low hemoglobin levels.

signs of anemia

A regular blood test speaks eloquently about a decrease in hemoglobin (or anemia). However, it is possible to suspect a similar condition in a person by other symptoms. Signs of anemia, which can be noticed by the person himself, as well as those around him:

• dizziness, weakness;
• fast fatiguability;
• shortness of breath at the slightest exertion - for example, as a result of climbing stairs;
• frequent headaches;
• tachycardia;
• lowering blood pressure;
• dry skin, mucous membranes.

If more than two of the listed signs are noted, it makes sense to take a blood test from a finger in order to determine possible anemia in time. A timely visit to the doctor will make it possible to quickly cope with the disease.

If this condition is not eliminated, then more serious health problems can result. Lack of hemoglobin leads to oxygen starvation of tissues and organs. This can cause metabolic disorders, as well as lead to malfunctions of the central nervous system.

Methods for increasing hemoglobin

If the reason for the decrease in hemoglobin in a child is iron deficiency, the approach to treating this condition should be comprehensive. The pediatrician will recommend changing the child's diet, as well as prescribing appropriate therapy. Consider the drugs that are usually prescribed for this diagnosis, and also tell you why it is worth revising the menu of a small patient.

Drugs prescribed for anemia

The most popular medicines for increasing hemoglobin are preparations containing iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Therapy is aimed not only at replenishing iron stores in the body. Taking medications contributes to the fact that the liver accumulates this microelement in sufficient volume. In this regard, the treatment is designed for at least three months, during which the liver has time to replenish its iron stores. The hemoglobin level can rise much earlier, which is not an indication for interrupting the course.

If treatment is required for a baby or a preschool child, drugs that need to be taken orally are preferred, and tablets are not used. Often pediatricians prescribe Maltofer, Ferrum Lek, Aktiferrin, Hemofer. All of them are available in the form of syrup or drops. For older children, the doctor may prescribe medicine in the form of chewable lozenges or tablets - Ferrum Lek, Tardiferon, Ferrogradment. They are well absorbed and approved for use by adolescents.

Preparations can be made on the basis of 2-valent or 3-valent iron. The former are recommended to be taken at least an hour before meals, since during the digestion of food, the absorption of such drugs worsens. The latter are allowed to be taken without taking into account the time of breakfast or lunch.

Quite often, with anemia in children, Maltofer is prescribed in chewable lozenges.

All of the above medicines do their job well. As a rule, after a month, the child's hemoglobin returns to normal (for more details, see the article:). In this regard, a re-analysis is recommended to be done no earlier than 30 days after the start of the course of treatment. If the therapy does not bring results, it is worth consulting with a pediatric hematologist - Dr. Komarovsky warns about this.

What parents should remember

Not always the diagnosis of "anemia" is made by a blood test, in which a low level of hemoglobin is detected (see also:). Sometimes such a test result is obtained due to incorrect sampling of material for analysis, or in the case when other factors took place. For example, if the analysis was given after breakfast, this protein in the blood will be reduced. Often the doctor asks for a second analysis, or recommends other studies. The diagnosis of "anemia" must be confirmed by a specialist, and the course of treatment is prescribed taking into account all associated symptoms and diseases. However, not all parents are ready to follow the doctor's recommendations exactly.

Low hemoglobin in society is not considered too serious a problem, so products such as hematogen are sometimes trusted to normalize it. It is believed that the bar, which includes bovine blood, will be able to correct the situation. Experts warn - this remedy is not a therapeutic drug and can only be used as an auxiliary.

In addition to iron-containing drugs, a child may be prescribed a course of enzymes, as well as bacteria for the intestines. All this must be taken if there are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which can prevent the full absorption of iron preparations.

What should be the food?

How to raise hemoglobin levels with proper nutrition? In some cases, dietary revision may be the only treatment option. For example, special nutrition will help a child who does not have organic diseases, and hemoglobin is not lowered to a critical level. Here it is worth dividing the diet for children under one year old and for those who are older.

Diet will help if the level of hemoglobin is not critically low

Baby food

If the baby is breastfed, the mother should take care of her diet. The lack of hemoglobin in such a baby will gradually be replenished if his mother's diet contains foods that increase HGB, rich in iron, vitamins B6, B12, B9. For artificial children, the introduction of special iron-containing mixtures into the diet is provided. If the baby is 0-6 months old, the composition of the finished mixture of iron should be at least 3-8 mg / l, and children from six months are recommended to give a mixture with an iron content of 10-14 mg / l. Such mixtures are also prescribed for the prevention of anemia in twins, as well as premature babies.

Starting from six months, the child should receive iron-containing foods as complementary foods. It can be vegetable purees, cereals, juices, some fruits. For children with low hemoglobin, the first complementary foods are introduced, starting with foods rich in iron.

• from vegetables it is recommended to try Brussels sprouts;
• from cereals - buckwheat;
• when the time comes to introduce meat, you can start with beef, turkey, rabbit;
• as a drink, offer the baby a compote of dried fruits, as well as an infusion of wild rose.

Nutrition for children from 1 year old

The diet of the child should include not only foods rich in iron, vitamins. The baby's table should be varied. Here is a list of animal products that increase hemoglobin:

• beef, pork, chicken liver (we recommend reading:);
• meat of rabbit, turkey;
• beef;

Beef dishes are an excellent source of iron

• beef heart, tongue, kidneys;
• chicken meat;
• any fish, especially mackerel, carp;
• black caviar;
• egg yolk.

From the liver and offal, you can cook pates, serve meat in the form of meatballs, steam cutlets. Fish is best steamed or boiled. Plant foods can also replenish iron stores in the body. It is important that the child's menu contains dishes from our list:

• seaweed;
• porridge - buckwheat, oatmeal;
• fruits - peaches, apples, pomegranates, apricots, bananas, pears, plums, persimmons, quince (we recommend reading:);
• berries - gooseberries, black currants, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries;
• vegetables - carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, onions, greens;
• beans - beans, peas, lentils.

Vegetables can be baked, boiled, served steamed. Fruits and berries can be eaten raw, or you can cook compotes, jelly, fruit drinks, jelly from them. Parents should remember that some foods do not contribute to the absorption of iron, so it is better to exclude them from the menu, or limit their consumption - soy, tea, coffee.

Steamed vegetables are great for a diet.

Folk ways to deal with anemia

During the treatment of anemia, you can also use folk methods to combat the disease. However, we note that most of them are suitable for babies who are at least 2 years old, as well as those who are not prone to allergies. Recipes for remedies that you can prepare yourself:

• Rosehip infusion with lemon and honey. It is necessary to pour a tablespoon of rose hips with a glass of boiling water and let them brew for 3 hours in a container that keeps the temperature well (in a thermos). Then strain, add a slice of lemon and 1 tsp. honey. Divide this portion into two doses - give the child a drink in the morning and in the evening.
• Juice mix. You will need freshly squeezed juices of apple, carrot and beetroot in a ratio of 2:1:1. Drink once a day in a 200-gram glass. Before use, eat a tablespoon of sour cream.
• Sweet mass. For this delicious medicine, you will need 100 g of raisins, dried apricots, prunes, walnuts, lemon and a glass of honey. Everything except the last ingredient must be twisted in a meat grinder into a homogeneous mass, mixed with honey. This mixture must be given to the child in 1 tsp. twice a day. Keep it in the refrigerator.
• A mixture of buckwheat and nuts. You will need dry buckwheat, nuts and honey in equal proportions. Grind buckwheat and nuts in a coffee grinder until fine crumbs, then mix with honey. Offer the resulting paste to the child 2 times a day for a teaspoon. It is believed that dark varieties of honey are most preferred for the treatment of anemia. It is in buckwheat honey that contains the maximum amount of trace elements that have a beneficial effect on the blood formula.

These methods are simple and effective. However, you need to understand that increasing hemoglobin in a child without consulting a specialist is a dangerous occupation. This problem may be deeper than it seems at first glance. A good doctor will make a diagnosis based on research and give recommendations for treating the baby. Folk methods should be considered as an auxiliary way to support hematopoiesis. Note that the best helpers in this situation will be a responsible approach to the problem, as well as complex treatment.

Red blood cells are red blood cells that perform vital functions: they transport oxygen to tissues and remove carbon dioxide from the body. Other formed elements are platelets and lymphocytes. Red blood cells are made up of hemoglobin, a peptide compound that binds to oxides.

blood cells

Hemoglobin is an important indicator of a general clinical blood test. The quantitative content of this peptide compound in the bloodstream is already determined in newborns. Any changes in the values ​​of this indicator may indicate serious pathological processes in various organs.

What is hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin, as mentioned above, is an iron-containing peptide compound that transports oxides in the human body. This protein gives the characteristic color of blood due to the presence of "heme" in its composition. Depending on the type of iron-containing protein, the color of the blood also differs.

Hemoglobin has three forms:

• Oxyhemoglobin;
• Carboxyhemoglobin;
• Deoxyhemoglobin.

Oxyhemoglobin transports oxygen to the necessary areas of the body. It gives arterial blood a bright scarlet color. The second type of iron-containing protein (carboxyhemoglobin) promotes the removal of carbon dioxide and other carbon oxides. Deoxyhemoglobin is reduced hemoglobin that circulates in free form in the bloodstream.

Iron peptide

In newborns, hemoglobin begins to be synthesized by the bone marrow at an early stage of development. It is very different from the iron-containing protein found in the adult human body. Such hemoglobin is called "fetal". In the process of ontogenesis, this peptide compound is replaced by ordinary hemoglobin. Therefore, a one-year-old child already has an “adult” iron-containing protein.

At the initial stages of ontogenesis, the norm of hemoglobin in the bloodstream of a child is variable. This indicator needs constant monitoring, because deviations can lead to serious consequences.

Read also: , symptoms of abnormalities

How to diagnose the cause of anemia, and what should be done before donating blood?

It is worth noting that anemia is not an independent disorder, but a sign indicating the presence of pathological processes in the child's body. The concentration of hemoglobin is measured in conjunction with other indicators of the general clinical blood test. The amount of iron-containing protein is measured in g / l. Before donating biological material, a number of recommendations must be followed.

The material is taken on an empty stomach and in the morning. After breastfeeding, the level of iron-containing protein may drop, so it is necessary not to feed the baby. Psycho-emotional stress or excessive physical activity also significantly distorts the results of a blood test.

Important! Additional tests may be needed to determine the exact cause of the decrease in iron-containing protein. You should not engage in self-diagnosis or self-treatment, this will only aggravate the condition of the child.

What is the normal level of hemoglobin in the blood serum of a child?

In newborns, iron-containing protein reaches a peak concentration in the first days of life and is 170-230 grams per liter. This is due to the fact that children have a certain depot of iron, which was formed in the process of intrauterine development. In premature babies, the level of iron-containing protein in the blood is sharply reduced and amounts to 140-210 grams per liter. These children need special supervision and have an increased risk of developing anemia later in life.

Healthy child

In the process of developing an infant, the hemoglobin level gradually decreases to optimal values ​​- 140-190 grams per liter. In a year old child, the concentration of hemoglobin reaches a minimum and is 105-120 grams per liter.

Normal indicators of hemoglobin concentration in children of different age categories in g / l:

• Up to two years - 105-135;
• A three-year-old child has 110-130;
• Up to 5 years - 105-130;
• Up to 10 years - 110-130;
• Up to 15 years - 120-160;

From the age of 15, the concentration of iron-containing protein stabilizes and amounts to 110-150 grams per liter. With age, this figure increases. It is necessary to constantly monitor the level of this protein in the blood to prevent the development of life-threatening conditions.

Why low hemoglobin in a child?

There are many reasons that can cause anemia in children of different ages. During childbirth, the baby may lose a significant amount of blood due to premature cutting of the umbilical cord or placental abruption. In premature babies, due to underdeveloped bone marrow, red blood cells can be rapidly destroyed in the spleen by the action of enzymes.

Some diseases lead to accelerated breakdown of iron-containing protein (for example, hemolytic disorders). List of common diseases that cause anemia:

• spherocytosis;
• Intrauterine infection; rubella, herpes, syphilis;
• Haemorrhoids;
• Pathology of the bone marrow;
• Hypertrophy of the spleen;
• Liver diseases.

In some cases, anemia is asymptomatic, but there are characteristic signs that indicate anemia. Cold extremities, pallor of the skin (especially in summer), bluish color of the nasolabial triangle, severe sweating - all these are manifestations indicating anemia.

In any case, additional examinations will be needed to clarify the diagnosis, however, with such “terrible” symptoms, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor. He will be able to prescribe appropriate treatment and suggest how to increase hemoglobin in a child.

How to raise hemoglobin in an infant?

Depending on why the child has low hemoglobin, the subsequent treatment also depends. If there is a deficiency of iron-containing protein due to blood loss, a blood transfusion procedure may be required. With the accelerated breakdown of red blood cells, infants need to receive a large amount of donor blood. This procedure allows you to eliminate damaged red cells and replace them with healthy ones.

Many mothers are wondering how to increase hemoglobin in a child? In the early stages of pregnancy, it is recommended to consume a lot of iron-containing foods. The use of iron supplements is a good preventive measure that reduces the risk of developing anemia. Young mothers need to eat more meat, which contains heme iron.

Source of heme iron

Important! Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron in the human body, so its use in the first trimester of pregnancy is a necessary preventive measure for anemia.

How to raise hemoglobin in a child at home?

Some plant foods contain non-heme iron. It is poorly absorbed by the body. In addition, plant foods contain a large amount of oxalates, which interfere with the normal absorption of iron. The diet should include products of both animal and vegetable origin. In some pathological conditions that are not corrected by dietary modifications, iron preparations (ferlatum or maltofer, for example) are indicated.

The lack of folic acid and vitamin B12 is one of the common causes of vitamin deficiency anemia. Young mothers are advised to consume a sufficient amount of flour, meat (beef, chicken, turkey) and dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese) products in order to provide the baby with all the nutrients when feeding.

Table of foods containing B vitamins

What foods increase hemoglobin in children?

As mentioned above, dietary modifications (recipes) can help increase the amount of total iron-containing protein in the bloodstream. Many people wonder how to increase hemoglobin in a child with food, and is it possible? Indeed, some foods can raise iron-containing peptide in the blood.

Products that increase hemoglobin in children:

• Meat (pork, beef, chicken);
• flour or dairy products;
• Legumes;
• Fresh vegetables and fruits;
• Seafood;
• Cereals and seeds.

It is worth noting that in some cases, dietary modifications do not help. If a low level of iron-containing protein is observed, for example, in an allergic person, then it is necessary to apply a different treatment tactic.

How to raise hemoglobin in a child with folk remedies and medicines?

In severe forms of anemia, drugs are prescribed (in the form of drops, syrups, tablets) that stimulate erythropoiesis (the formation of new red blood cells). Medicines in this case are taken for a long time - from one month to several years. The current doctor of the highest category, Yevgeny Komarovsky, in his videos recommends refraining from excessive prescribing of drugs to children. Many of them can temporarily increase hemoglobin, but then it can drop sharply in the blood.

In very severe conditions, methods of transplantation of red bone marrow cells or partial removal of a hypertrophied spleen are indicated. As a rule, during these procedures, hemoglobin will rise and remain stable.

This disease has become even more common than in adults. This is due to the anatomical immaturity of the hematopoietic organs, resulting from the negative influence of a number of environmental factors. Anemia is usually divided into several varieties, among which the most common is the so-called deficiency anemia. Somewhat less common is hemolytic anemia due to the destruction of red blood cells, anemia after severe blood loss, hereditary anemia, etc.

If the child's diet is a large proportion, then do not try to reduce its consumption in favor of complementary foods. Breast milk contains a protein called lactoferrin, which contains iron ions. The bioavailability of iron from this protein is about 60%, while from other products it rarely exceeds 20%. In addition, the immature enzymatic system of the baby is not yet ready for the full digestion of "adult" food.

If the child is bottle-fed, or is already old enough, then adjust his diet in favor of foods containing a large amount of substances that raise hemoglobin. Iron is best absorbed from meat products, especially beef, where the bioavailability of iron is 22%. Iron in fish products has a bioavailability of about 11%. Another large amount of iron is found in buckwheat, peas, egg yolk. You should also take care of sufficient consumption of foods rich in folic acid, vitamins B12 and C. These substances are found in various vegetables and fruits.

In the event that the indicators threaten the health of the child, it is unlikely that it will be possible to manage with dietary adjustment alone, and it may be necessary to give the child iron supplements. The intake of such drugs must be carried out under the supervision of a physician.

note

Keep in mind that too much iron in the blood is not good either, it can lead to other micronutrient deficiencies, such as zinc and copper. Therefore, the question of the use of iron preparations must be discussed with a qualified hematologist.

Helpful advice

The norm of hemoglobin for children under the age of 5 years is 110 g/l, while there is a physiological decrease in hemoglobin levels up to 100 g/l in the region of one year and almost up to two years. So, with a slight deviation from the norm at this age, you should not panic.

Due to a violation of intrauterine development, a child may be born already with an insufficient content of hemoglobin in the blood. This, in turn, is fraught with delays in mental and mental development, so it is very important to take measures to normalize hemoglobin levels.