The Importance of Iron for Adolescent Girls
Iron is a crucial element for the production of red blood cells. When iron supply is inadequate, it can lead to symptoms of anemia. Adolescent girls have specific nutritional needs to support their growth and development while maintaining their daily physical activities, making their iron requirements even higher.
Common Eating Habits Contributing to Anemia
Many adolescent girls develop poor eating habits, such as picky eating or extreme dieting in pursuit of a slim figure. These behaviors can significantly hinder the intake of essential iron. Additionally, heavy menstrual bleeding can be another cause of anemia in young women. If menstruation exceeds 100 milliliters per cycle, it increases the risk of developing anemia. Furthermore, conditions like liver or kidney diseases, as well as chronic diarrhea, can also contribute to iron deficiency.
What to Do About Anemia in Girls?
1. Recognize the Seriousness of the Condition
While anemia is typically not life-threatening, it can have severe implications for health and development, particularly in underage girls. If anemia symptoms are not addressed promptly, they can affect future pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, leading to significant health issues for both the mother and her baby. Therefore, it is essential to take adolescent anemia seriously.
2. Seek a Proper Diagnosis
If anemia is suspected due to symptoms such as pale complexion, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, palpitations, tinnitus, memory issues, dry and brittle hair, or dry skin, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional immediately. A blood test can determine if anemia is present. Generally, anemia is defined as having blood hemoglobin levels below 100 grams per liter and red blood cell counts less than (3.5-5) × 10^12/L (350-500 million per cubic millimeter).
3. Prevention and Treatment
To prevent iron-deficiency anemia, it is vital to ensure that the diet is rich in iron. Foods high in iron include beef, pork liver, animal blood, fish, spirulina, seaweed, mushrooms, celery, eggs, and legumes. Consuming iron in an acidic environment enhances absorption, so incorporating vinegar or vitamin C in meals can be beneficial. It is equally important to maintain a balanced diet—avoiding picky eating habits—and include both whole grains and refined grains, as well as a variety of colorful vegetables.
If anemia is diagnosed, it's crucial to follow a doctor's guidance for iron and vitamin C supplementation. If anemia is due to an underlying medical condition, treatment for that condition must be pursued actively. In addition to necessary medications and nutrients, patients should also focus on enhancing their physical fitness and actively participating in sports. A healthy body, positive outlook, and good mental health are among the most effective ways to combat anemia.
Parental Guidance is Key
Sometimes, adolescent girls may not recognize their symptoms or report them in a timely manner. This makes it essential for parents to closely observe their children for any unusual signs and consult a doctor if any issues arise.