Does 'anemia' come to mind?

Anemia, commonly known as anemia, is a significant health problem, particularly affecting children, women, and the elderly. However, there is insufficient awareness about this issue in our society. LÖSEV President Dr. Üstün Ezer warned, "Remember that this common but little-known insidious problem will negatively impact children's lives throughout their lives." He shared crucial information.

Structure and functions of blood

The blood that circulates in our veins is produced in the bone marrow. The most important blood cells produced here are red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WHCs). Platelets also help stop and prevent bleeding. RBCs (red blood cells, medically known as erythrocytes) are present in numbers of 4–5 million in a few drops of blood and have a lifespan of approximately 120 days. They give blood its red color and contain an oxygen-carrying structure called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin also contains iron. Anemia occurs as a result of iron deficiency in the blood and the body. Therefore, if sufficient oxygen cannot be transported to all our organs and cells, many serious health problems can occur. The most important cause of iron deficiency is inadequate dietary iron intake. Vitamin deficiencies, intestinal problems, bleeding disorders, and, rarely, leukemia are also causes of anemia.

Why is it a widespread problem in our country?

In a widespread screening, iron deficiency anemia is seen in one in every two children (50%). Unfortunately, across the country;

1- Eating inadequate, iron-deficient foods is common. For example, children who consume a diet rich in bread, pasta, bulgur, and flour-based foods often develop severe anemia.

2. Anemia is also seen in children who consume a lot of packaged foods and carbonated drinks, especially those that contain chemical additives that prevent iron absorption.

ATTENTION MOTHERS!

- If your child is lethargic and gets tired easily, - If his/her academic success is low, if he/she has problems such as not being able to learn in lessons and forgetting quickly, - If his/her development is delayed in infancy.

- If you have loss of appetite, are pale and tend to sleep, be sure to have a blood count and find out if you have anemia.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis can be easily made with an accurate medical history, nutritional assessment, an examination by an experienced physician, and a simple complete blood count. A hemoglobin level of 12–14 g/dl should be appropriate for children's age, and an erythrocyte count of over 4 million. Readings below this level may indicate anemia.

Why is storage iron important?

Storage iron (ferritin) is the iron stored in cells. Red blood cells take up and use storage iron as needed. Ferritin (storage iron) can also be tested to diagnose anemia. In cases of doubt, other tests may be performed.

Natural resources

Iron is found mostly in the following foods: Red meat, egg yolk, fish, green leafy vegetables, grapes, molasses, grape juice, all legumes, especially green lentils, nuts such as hazelnuts and peanuts, and their pastes.

AN IMPORTANT WARNING

It is not recommended to consume iron-rich foods and calcium-containing milk and dairy products together. Furthermore, coffee (caffeine), tea, and carbonated and acidic beverages inhibit the absorption of natural iron and can lead to chronic anemia.

Should medication be used in severe iron deficiency?

As hematology specialists at LÖSANTE Hospital, we generally recommend consuming plenty of iron-rich foods, as mentioned above, in infants and children to both prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia. We recommend avoiding breastfeeding for extended periods and switching to supplements. However, vitamin C enhances iron absorption from the intestines. After an iron-rich diet, we recommend consuming natural vitamin C-rich foods such as orange, lemon juice, and tangerine. We avoid medications unless absolutely necessary. Iron-containing medications are highly irritating and can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. We are careful not to prescribe medications except in cases of severe anemia, and we maintain close monitoring and maintain a healthy diet.