Do not be careless, taking MPASI incorrectly can trigger iron deficiency anemia in children

Jakarta – Anemia remains a major challenge in the world of health, especially in groups that are vulnerable to iron deficiency anemia, namely children and pregnant women. Children are very susceptible to anemia from the time they are in the womb until late childhood.

One of the things that must be taken care of to prevent anemia in children is the intake during MPASI (complementary food for breast milk). Pediatrician and Growth and Development Consultant, Dr. Dr. Dr. Rini Sekartini, Sp.A(K) said that iron intake is very important for children during the MPASI period, to prevent anemia.

“The vulnerable age for iron deficiency anemia is in children aged 6 to 23 months. “It is essential to give MPASI first, where mothers do not choose the right source of iron in MPASI food,” said Prof. Rini in Pasar Baru district, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday , November 26 2024.

Iron deficiency anemia is greatly influenced by diet. Especially during the MPASI period, children begin to recognize different tastes and it is time to introduce a lot of foods, especially those with high levels of iron.

Professor Rini said that iron is divided into two forms, namely heme and non-heme. Heme iron comes from animal sources, and non-heme iron comes from vegetable sources.

Several types of food that contain iron are meat, from beef, lamb, deer, and poultry such as chicken, ducks, ducks, birds. Then chicken liver, beef liver, seafood, especially dark colored green vegetables such as mustard greens and broccoli, tofu and tempeh, nuts and seeds.

In addition to providing food that contains iron high, parents should also prevent children from eating foods that inhibit iron absorption. These foods contain phytic acid, tannins or polyphenols, calcium and oxalic acid, which are commonly found in tea and coffee.