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Should newborns be given iron supplements? How long should iron be supplemented for infants? These are common questions many mothers ponder. In this article, we'll help address and suggest effective ways to supplement iron for babies.
Should newborns be given iron supplements? How long should iron be supplemented for infants?
If you're wondering whether newborns should be given iron supplements, the answer is YES. According to experts, providing iron supplements to newborns is highly necessary. Iron is a vital nutrient that supports the growth and development of a child's immune system.
Iron deficiency can lead to appetite loss, slow development, poor weight gain, difficulty concentrating, and frequent illnesses in children. This is especially critical for underweight babies, premature infants, etc.
Typically, newborns are born with a reserve of iron in their bodies. However, mothers still need to regularly supplement iron to help their children keep up with rapid growth and development. The dosage of iron supplementation will depend on the child's weight. The period for administering iron to children usually lasts about 3 months. Mothers should take their children for health check-ups and receive the most accurate instructions from doctors.
In any case, mothers should not arbitrarily supplement large amounts of iron continuously for more than 6 months for their children without a doctor's prescription. Excessive iron supplementation can lead to iron poisoning, diarrhea, dehydration, fever, vomiting, etc.
Warning signs of iron deficiency in children
Children with mild iron deficiency often do not show specific symptoms. Therefore, parents should pay attention if their children exhibit the following signs of iron deficiency.
- The child's skin appears pale, dull. The child feels tired, and their fingernails are easily broken
- The child's hands and feet feel cold, and their body temperature is low
- The child gains weight slowly, appears stunted, and experiences slow development
- The child cries at night, has a poor appetite
- The child breathes rapidly, more than usual
- The child has a weakened immune system, is prone to colds, bruises easily, and has slow-healing wounds
- The child is unable to focus, has poor absorption ability, and slow reflexes,….
Dosage and duration of iron supplementation for newborns
We will guide mothers on how to supplement iron with the correct dosage and duration for newborns.
- Preterm infants: Iron supplementation should begin in the first month after birth with a dosage of 2mg/kg/day for breastfed infants and 1mg/kg/day for formula-fed infants.
- Low birth weight infants: If the infant weighs between 1 – 2.5kg, they need supplementation of 2 – 3mg/kg/day. If the infant weighs under 1kg, supplementation of 3 – 4mg/kg/day is required.
- 4-month-old breastfed infants: Supplementation dosage is 1mg/kg/day, mothers can directly supplement iron through breast milk or additional functional foods starting from the 6th month of complementary feeding.
- Newborns with pallor or illness: Iron supplementation dosage is about 3 – 6mg/kg/day. Duration ranges from 3 – 6 months depending on the infant's condition.
Key considerations for effective iron supplementation in infants
To effectively supplement iron for newborns, mothers should remember the following tips:
- Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach. Mothers should give iron to infants before breakfast or lunch, about 1 hour before. Avoid giving iron to infants in the evening as it may disrupt sleep and cause iron sedimentation in the kidneys.
- Supplement additional B-group vitamins, especially B6, and vitamin C to enhance iron absorption in the infant's body.
- Do not give iron and calcium to infants at the same time. Mothers should give calcium to infants 2 hours before iron supplementation. Mothers can also consider: when is the best time to take iron and calcium during the day?
- Do not give iron to infants with tea, coffee, or carbonated beverages as they can interfere with the body's iron absorption process.
- Establish a suitable, diverse diet, including various food groups. Prioritize iron-rich foods such as beef, animal liver, green vegetables, cereals, vitamin C-rich foods, etc.,
- If the infant is taking antibiotics for treatment, mothers should consult a specialist doctor before supplementing iron to the infant.
- Choose organic iron for infants to ensure quick absorption, high efficiency without causing constipation like inorganic iron. Among the prominent organic iron products available today, Ferrolip Baby from Italy must be mentioned. This is an organic amino iron with the ability to prevent and improve iron deficiency conditions in newborns effectively. Especially, the product applies Chelate technology which is non-tangy, has a mild sweet taste, and a pleasant peach fragrance, making babies enjoy every time they consume it.
Mothers can explore genuine Ferrolip Baby at Mytour's network of stores or conveniently order online at Mytour.vn.
Surely, through this article, mothers have found answers to the questions “Should iron be supplemented for newborns? How long should iron be supplemented?” Hopefully, through this article, mothers will supplement iron correctly, safely, thereby ensuring comprehensive development for their children.
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