width="280"It is the declining volume of red blood cells (RBCs) under the limits considered normal. The formation of red blood cells is a complex process that requires the presence of certain nutrients (iron, copper, amino acid) and some hormones (erythropoietin). The protein in red blood cells and carries blood and iron is found mostly in red blood cells and carries oxygen, allowing the cells to breathe. The occurrence of anemia in children is enhanced by the presence of infections, problems in their diet, inherited diseases and even for the same growth. In the case of newborns have a reserve of iron obtained from the mother in the last weeks of gestation and that are sufficient to meet their needs the first five months of life. Then you need to iron that comes from the diet. Particularly children between 6 months and 2 years of age, iron deficiency may be caused by poor diet, intestinal loss of iron secondary, minimal bleeding, etc. The most notable feature is the pale skin, lips and conjunctiva. Often associated with fatigue, malaise and lack of appetite. It can be diagnosed with a blood test (CBC) that will allow the diagnosis of anemia. The observation under the microscope of a blood sample to detect abnormalities in the structure of red blood cells that may help the diagnosis of anemia. To diagnose the cause of anemia must be made a special study.

One variant of anemia is iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. Approximately 20% of women, 50% of pregnant women and 3% of men are iron deficient. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the pigment that transports oxygen in the blood. Iron is normally obtained through the foods from the diet and by recycling old red blood cells. The causes of iron deficiency are too little iron in the diet, poor absorption of iron body and loss of blood (including from heavy menstrual bleeding). It is also caused by lead poisoning in children. Anemia develops slowly after exhaustion of the normal stores of iron in the body and in the bone marrow. In general women to have smaller deposits of iron than men and increased loss through menstruation, are at increased risk for anemia. The high-risk groups are: women of childbearing age with blood loss through menstruation, pregnant women and infants with increased iron requirements, infants, children and adolescents in rapid growth phase and people with poor iron intake caused by a or poor diet lacking in meat or eggs for several years.

Logically, the treatment depends on the cause of anemia. The pediatrician should indicate the treatment in each case. The child who is born prematurely, preventing iron deficiency anemia, the doctor will administer a preparation of iron, because iron transfer fetus is carried out mainly during the third trimester of pregnancy. The diet should have the patient is of great importance. Iron is the protagonist in the production of hemoglobin because it allows the red blood cell that carries gases fix. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are required for all cells to mature red blood cells without exception. A balanced diet with green vegetables, beans, lentils, liver and all types of meat, and fortified cereals. It is important to note that milk prevents iron deficiency anemia.