Iron deficiency anemia often happens after six months of age because in this age group children need more iron for proper growth, but food consumption is still small to meet this need.
Babies who were born premature or underweight need more attention, as they have fewer iron stores.
Iron deficiency is more common in babies who are artificially breastfed (canned or cow's milk), but it can also happen in those who receive breast milk.
When the child is fed with natural cow's milk, the risk of iron deficiency is greater, because in this type of milk the amount of iron is also low and the use by the body is poor.
Anemia decreases the body's resistance, leaving the baby more exposed to infections, so it is important to start introducing new foods properly, in addition to using iron supplementation.
The World Health Organization recommends that all babies over six months of age receive iron supplementation daily until they are two years old. It also recommends vitamin A supplementation for children over six months of age in situations where vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem.
See the status of iron and vitamin A supplementation in your country: The Philippines
Healthy babies, who only receive breast milk until the sixth month of life, do not need any form of iron supplementation until the introduction of other foods.
“For they too will beg the Lord to lead them in the right diagnosis and heal. Ask in the presence of the one who created him who does not submit to the doctor's treatment.” (Eclo 38.14-15)
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