Iron Level Low in 4 Year Old

Hello J.,
Great advice from the mothers. My little ones have been having blood drawn since 3 & at 4 the no tell before arriving and distactions work the best. I was the one that was the wreck (heheheh). He will be a trooper.
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Take care,
D.

I wouldn't panic about this. I am with you...why not try really feeding him alot of iron rich foods for a month or two and get poked again? Green veggies and raisins are good sources. It's best to get iron naturally as iron supplements can be very constipating. If it continues to be low, there could be an absorption problem...like he gets enough iron, but his body isn't absorbing it.

hey kessi
it not as bad as you think having a 4 yr tested i agree with a treat after he done i brive with a small fire or a milk shake just because my kid hate candy but you should have him tested right away and rember to have the little one look at you while the blood draw is going on so they don't freak good luck

The finger prick is only a guide to let the doc know if more testing is necessary. It's obvious that your doc doesn't order lab draws unless it needs to be done...in this case it needs to be done. Docs don't get kickbacks from ordering blood workup...they do it because it is the first in a long line of testing to uncover the root of a problem when a red flag arises. The low 10.5 was the red flag, it's up to you to follow thru to get an accurate count so the doc knows how to treat him. It very well could be that he needs more iron in his diet, but what if it is more? Also, I am frequently anemic and it just plain feels bad...tired, weak, pale, muscle exhaustion...so you need to know though it is probably just plain borderline anemia.

You took him to the doc for a reason, now listen to the docs recommendations. If you don't trust the doc, find one that you do trust. Also, the blood test isn't so bad. Be honest and simple with your explanation of what they are going to do but play it by ear. If he doesn't ask, don't tell until you get in the chair. If he is the type who will ask you about it the whole way there, indulge him but be calm and tell him it's no big deal. By the time he discovers that it feels like a little pinch, it will be over. If you hype him up that it's going to hurt, it will hurt more to him!

Good luck~

I had to take my youngest for a blood draw when she was very little as well. It is not a fun time, for sure. On the other hand, if the doctor says to get it done, get it done. Sure, 9 out of 10 turn out fine. But what about the 1? Don't take chances.
C.

always ask your doc about iron supplements before giving them to your child. too much iron can be dangerous in kids.
also, i just had to get my 3 YO's blood drawn and he didn't even flinch, let alone cry. little boys (depending on the kid, of course) like to act tough. honestly, the needle is so thin that it really doesn't hurt that much. but, i was really nervous about it before he had it done and it wasn't even close to what i had expected. us mom's tend to worry about these things, though! :) besides, it only lasts a minute, and kids are resilient. they'll forget about it in no time! if they want to get his blood drawn, if i were you i would do it, just to be on the safe side and find out what's causing it.

J.,

My daughter has had blood drawn several times starting when she was two years old - now seven. I don't tell what's going to happen even if asked. I just respond and say we have to ask the doctor. I've found that if you tell them too quick they get themselves all worked up and it makes it harder.

I hope this helps. Hang in there! :)

C.

Hi J.---It would probably be good to get an accurate reading as far as his iron levels go, however, I would hesistate to give him supplemental iron. I've read that too much iron can cause serious problems.

I am a wellness educator and I advocate that you first use food as your first option for healing. Our bodies are quite amazing when given the proper materials to do so. I am copying info from this wellness class here: Iron is a part of hemoglobin, which assists in carrying oxygen. We need it for survival and function. But iron also acts as a catalyst for the formation of free radicals. Excess iron is a problem since it is hard for the body to get rid of it.

Stored iron causes health problems such as fatigue, arthritis, shortness of breath and neurological symptoms. Continuing to consume and store excess iron can increase the risk of cancer and heart disease since iron increases free radical production.

Contrary to what many people believe, a plant-based diet provides all of the iron needed for function - it is found in legumes, vegetables and grains. The vitamin C content of fruits and vegetables assists in absorbing iron. And, the body self-regulates iron absorption, absorbing less from these sources when it has enough. Taking supplements will raise iron levels, but can also cause constipation, nausea and other side effects. Additionally, doing so will not address the underlying cause for the deficiency.

Iron is found in foods like green leafy vegetables, whole grains, almonds, avocadoes, beets, blackstrap molasses, dates, kelp, kidney and lima beans, lentils, millet, parsley, peaches, pears, dried prunes and dates, pumpkin, raisins, rice, sesame seeds and soybeans. A well-structured, plant-based diet provides adequate iron for almost everyone.

Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron, but I do not recommend supplementation. It is better to consume lots of Vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges and kiwi.

Here are some of the causes of iron deficiency: Excessive amounts of zinc and Vitamin E (usually resulting from supplementation) which can interfere with absorption
Calcium supplementation
Consumption of dairy products
Poor gastrointestinal health.

Hope this helps. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call me. I'd love to help. D.
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If he has an iron deficiency you should know... I would get him tested. But you can discuss how he will be treated if it is in fact low with your Dr. and decide if maybe just treated him is an option. I'd be more concerned with treating him unecessarily that the test. Bring a treat with you ....and tell him he gets it when he is done. (A sucker worked great for my sons 4 year old shots).

Take him better safe than sorry, my 2 year old did great I just distracted her with a book, she didnt even cry...she did better than me lol