Children's vitamins with iron

The lack of iron in the child's body is considered one of the common phenomena. If you do not pay attention to the problem in time, then symptoms of anemia will appear. This will adversely affect both physical and mental development. To prevent complications, it is necessary to give vitamins with iron to children.

The role of iron in the body

Many parents have heard that iron is one of the important components in any human body. This trace element is found in every cell and is considered the main constituent of red blood cells. The main function of iron is to carry oxygen to tissues and internal organs.

Iron is responsible for hemoglobin. If the level of this trace element is low, then the second indicator also falls significantly. In such cases, the body experiences a lack of oxygen. This adversely affects the general condition of the child.

Some of the iron and hemoglobin accumulate in muscle tissue and act as a reserve. They do not work idle, but wait for a certain moment. Replenishment of tissues and organs with oxygen is required with increased physical exertion or in stressful situations.

Causes of iron deficiency

Iron deficiency and low hemoglobin levels are bad for the body. A deficit occurs when its supply is lower than consumption.

Doctors identify several reasons for iron deficiency:

• poor nutrition;
• prolonged fasting;
• lack of vitamin C;
• violation of the absorption process of necessary substances in the intestinal canal;
• excessive intake of oxalates, calcium, vitamin E and zinc from food;
• chronic lead poisoning;
• abuse of drugs from the antacid group;
• increased iron consumption at the stage of intensive growth;
• violation of the functionality of the thyroid gland;
• the presence of trauma with large blood loss;
• previously performed surgical intervention;
• disturbances in the work of the stomach;
• parasitic infection;
• the appearance of a tumor of a benign or malignant nature;
• the development of systemic diseases.

One of the most common causes is acute blood loss due to intussusception or trauma to the walls of the digestive tract. In the first year of life, iron deficiency is observed during breastfeeding when the amount of iron in breast milk is low.

Iron deficiency symptoms in children

General weakness is considered one of the main signs of iron deficiency anemia. The child gets tired quickly, looks constantly tired. If hemoglobin is at a low level for a long time, the work of all internal organs begins to suffer.

A lack of hemoglobin adversely affects the functionality of the brain.

This process is manifested:

• irritability;
• drowsiness;
• flashing flies before the eyes;
• headache;
• numbness of the limbs.

In severe cases, there is:

• loss of consciousness;
• loss of appetite;
• the appearance of shortness of breath with minimal physical exertion.

An external examination of the child reveals other signs:

• paleness and dryness of the skin;
• the formation of cracks in the corners of the lips;
• change in the state of the nail plates.

With a mild degree of anemia, the child has a deterioration in memory, a decrease in academic performance and immunity.

Vitamins with iron content for children

You can get iron from food that contains it. The child should regularly eat meat dishes, buckwheat porridge, fresh green vegetables and herbs, dried fruits, berries, low-fat fish, bran and seaweed.

But many children refuse to eat such food. Then iron-containing vitamins for children will come to the aid of parents. This trace element is in a high dose, which allows you to bring the hemoglobin level back to normal.

Vitamin supplements are recommended not only for prevention, but also in the following cases:

• at the stage of recovery after a previous illness or surgical procedures;
• with intolerance to cow's milk protein;
• in the presence of intestinal diseases;
• at the stage of active growth;
• when fasting or dieting;
• with serious physical and mental stress.

Good vitamins for children with iron include:

1. Naturetto... Available in chewable tablets. The composition also includes vitamins of group B and C.
   
2. Alphabet... Vitamin complex, sold in dragees for children over 3 years old and sachets for young children. Take 3 tablets per day.
   
3. Vitrum... There are different types of medication for children of all ages.
   
4. Jungle... Has 2 forms of release - syrup and chewable tablets.
   
5. Complivit Active... Multivitamin complex with iron.
   
6. Multi Tabs... There are several types of the drug designed for children of different ages.
   
7. Pikovit... Multivitamin complex with additives. May cause allergies due to the presence of fragrances.
   

Vitamins with iron for children under 1 year old

Babies up to a year a day need to take up to 7 mg of iron. Low hemoglobin is diagnosed in those children who are bottle-fed. But it also happens that babies are breastfed, but the lack of iron is observed in the mother herself.

For babies, pharmacological companies offer drugs in drops and solutions. This list includes:

1. Totem... Release in solution. The drug belongs to the combined antianemic agents. Contains iron, copper and manganese. Contraindicated in children under 3 months of age.
   
2. Maltofer... Drops for oral administration. Indicated for premature babies and babies under 1 year old.
   
3. Ferrum Lek... It is produced in a solution that is injected intramuscularly. Assigned to babies weighing more than 5 kg. The neonatal period and prematurity are contraindications.
   

Vitamins with iron for children 2-3 years old

At the age of 2-3 years, children are transferred to a common table. They begin to eat the food that adults eat. The diet consists of meat, fish, buckwheat and other important products for the body.

But there are children who refuse to eat this or that food. This leads to a lack of iron and a decrease in hemoglobin levels. Parents go to doctors and complain about the unsatisfactory condition of the child. After examination, pediatricians prescribe iron vitamins for children 2 years old.

The drugs in demand include:

1. Alphabet Our Baby... Produced in powder, from which a suspension is prepared. Each tablet contains vitamins and minerals that work well with each other. The advantages of the drug are that it has a hypoallergenic composition.
   
2. Pikovit... Produced in syrup. Has a pleasant orange flavor. The dosage for children is 10 ml per day.But it can cause an allergic reaction.
   
3. Jungle Kids... Multivitamin complex, which contains iron.
   
4. Ferrum Lek... Iron preparation. Produced in syrup. It is necessary to take the medicine once a day.
   
5. Maltofer... The syrup is brown. Often prescribed for the prevention and development of anemia.
   

It is convenient to give this form of release to children. It does not require skill in chewing. The syrups taste good.

Vitamins with iron for children after 4-5 years

Children over 4 years old are more often prescribed pills.

The list of popular medicines includes:

1. Ferroplex... The composition contains ferrous sulfate and ascorbic acid.
   
2. Ferrum Lek... Chewable tablets. 1 tablet contains 100 mg of iron. Take 1 time per day.
   
3. Naturetto... Vitamin supplements that consist of iron and ascorbic acid.
   

At an older age, you can take Tardiferon or Heferon. The drug Aktiferrin has a good effect. Available in capsules. Assigned to children over 6 years old.

Suitable for the prevention and treatment of anemia. Dispensed without a doctor's prescription.

Tips and tricks for taking

Before choosing a dietary supplement, you must read the instructions. You should choose the drug that is suitable for age. If parents purchase vitamins for prophylaxis, then the dosage should be minimal. Do not exceed the dose yourself. If there is a suspicion of the development of anemia, then it is better to contact a pediatrician and get tested.

Children's vitamins should contain not only iron, but also other important components in the form of calcium, magnesium, zinc and iodine.

It is recommended to give syrups, tablets or drops in the morning after breakfast. After lunch, iron is poorly absorbed, the body will not receive the necessary substance.

You need to check the expiration date before buying. Make sure the bottle or pack has not been unpacked. Vitamins are kept away from children.

Do not forget about good nutrition. If the baby is breastfed, then the mother should take care of her diet.

Interaction of iron with other vitamins

For better absorption of iron, it is recommended to take it simultaneously with ascorbic acid.

Also, the mineral goes well with copper and vitamin B3.

Iron has poor compatibility with zinc, magnesium, chromium and calcium. Therefore, minerals should be taken at intervals of 4-6 hours.

Vitamins E, B12 and manganese interfere with the absorption of iron.

Contraindications and side effects

You cannot take iron-containing products if you have the following conditions:

• violation of iron utilization;
• excess mineral content in the body;
• anemia that has developed as a result of intoxication;
• increased susceptibility to the constituents of the medication.

While taking pills, syrup and drops, the child may develop side symptoms in the form of:

• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• pain in the epigastric region;
• feelings of heaviness.

Iron is often constipated and the stools turn dark. In such cases, it is not necessary to cancel the drug. All symptoms will disappear on their own after completing the course.

Conclusion

Vitamins with iron for children can quickly increase hemoglobin and improve the general condition of the body. For prevention, drugs are recommended to be taken 1-2 times a year. If the child looks constantly pale, is often sick and wants to sleep, this is a signal to see a doctor. Perhaps the baby has developed anemia, which requires immediate treatment.