Does a baby need to eat iron rich complementary foods if anemia is found during a physical examination?

When a baby is found to have anemia during a physical examination, they usually need to eat iron rich complementary foods. Anemia may be related to insufficient iron intake, absorption disorders, or excessive loss. Adding iron rich complementary foods in moderation can help improve iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia is a common problem in infants and young children. The iron content in breast milk is low, and it needs to be supplemented with complementary foods after 6 months. Iron fortified Rice noodles is the first choice, with iron content of 6-10 mg per 100 grams, easy to digest and absorb. Red meat puree such as beef and lamb can be added 2-3 times a week, with 10-15 grams per time, resulting in a higher absorption rate of heme iron. Animal liver should be consumed 1-2 times a month, with approximately 5 grams per session, and the amount of vitamin A should be controlled if it is abundant. Blanching dark vegetables such as spinach and making vegetable puree, combined with vitamin C fruit puree, can enhance the absorption rate of non heme iron. Legumes as complementary foods should be thoroughly soaked and cooked to avoid phytic acid affecting iron absorption. Parents should regularly monitor their hemoglobin levels and observe their bowel movements during the initial stages of adding complementary foods. Persistent anemia requires screening for chronic blood loss or genetic diseases to avoid blind iron supplementation. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the production of complementary foods, gradually increase the variety of ingredients, and cultivate babies' chewing ability. After the improvement of anemia, it is still necessary to maintain an iron rich diet and cooperate with moderate outdoor activities to promote nutrient absorption.