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12 Months Old, Hemoglobin Levels 8.6, Pale. Need To Gain Weight, Added More Fats In Diet. Anything Else ?
My daughter is 12 months old and her hemoglobin levels where 8.6 the doctor sent us to get blood . The doctor also said that she looked pale. The doctor is also saying I need to put weight on her she only weights 16lbs 11oz. I have started to add more fats to her diet . Is there something more I should do? Should I be worried about her levels?
Thu, 11 Oct 2012
Hello
Hb 8.6 for this age group is really low. A proper evaluation for cause of low Hb must be done. There may be so many causes for anemia of which nutritional anemia is very common. If she has been diagnosed as a case of nutritional anemia then iron supplementation and proper calorie intake for weight gain is needed. You can make the feeds calorie dense by adding fat. Give more frequent feed (mashed home food)at least 4-5 times with 2-3 snacks. Hb level will improve by improving nutritional supplements.
With regards
Hb 8.6 for this age group is really low. A proper evaluation for cause of low Hb must be done. There may be so many causes for anemia of which nutritional anemia is very common. If she has been diagnosed as a case of nutritional anemia then iron supplementation and proper calorie intake for weight gain is needed. You can make the feeds calorie dense by adding fat. Give more frequent feed (mashed home food)at least 4-5 times with 2-3 snacks. Hb level will improve by improving nutritional supplements.
With regards
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User's Response
Dr. Dhivya Ananth,
Pediatrician's Response
Pediatrician's Response
Hi.
thanks for the query.
The average weight for a 1 yr old child is about 10 kg or about 22 pounds.. So your child is underweight. You need to give her a balanced diet and not just fats. Food rich in iron content will increase your child's hemoglobin gradually.
Hence you need to give her rice, potatoes, breads for carbohydrate, meat and eggs for protein, lots of green leafy vegetables, other vegetables like peas and carrots, bananas, guavas, grapes, etc which are rich in iron and vitamins. Milk can be given not more than 3 times a day as it may suppress appetite. Do not feed your child with biscuits or other snacks in between. They cause satiety and prevent your child from eating during meal times.
Ensure that your child eats with you at meal times. This prevents fussiness.
You may have to give a short 3 month course of iron tonic after discussion with your pediatrician to initially bring her hemoglobin to normal. You will find her appetite increases and she will become alert and cheerful on starting treatment.
Hope your child gets better soon. A healthy child will become a healthy adult... bye
thanks for the query.
The average weight for a 1 yr old child is about 10 kg or about 22 pounds.. So your child is underweight. You need to give her a balanced diet and not just fats. Food rich in iron content will increase your child's hemoglobin gradually.
Hence you need to give her rice, potatoes, breads for carbohydrate, meat and eggs for protein, lots of green leafy vegetables, other vegetables like peas and carrots, bananas, guavas, grapes, etc which are rich in iron and vitamins. Milk can be given not more than 3 times a day as it may suppress appetite. Do not feed your child with biscuits or other snacks in between. They cause satiety and prevent your child from eating during meal times.
Ensure that your child eats with you at meal times. This prevents fussiness.
You may have to give a short 3 month course of iron tonic after discussion with your pediatrician to initially bring her hemoglobin to normal. You will find her appetite increases and she will become alert and cheerful on starting treatment.
Hope your child gets better soon. A healthy child will become a healthy adult... bye
I find this answer helpful
good evening. 12 months old hb% of 8.6 is not to be terrified about, because all theses days the baby will be dependent on milk as the major source of food , so some kids tend to have low hemoglobin, so gradually try to include more of solid foods , iron rich foods include green leafy vegetables, meat , egg , jaggery , dates , legumes etc. u may have to start oral iron supplements, avoid bottle feeding, avoid junk foods. if there is any other doubts , pls feel free to contact.
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