Anemia is a condition in which your blood has too few red blood cells, which are necessary for oxygen transportation in your body. Though children's symptoms of anemia vary, some of the most common include pale skin, increased heart rate, lack of energy, irritability and headache, according to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. If your child suffers from iron or vitamin deficiency anemia, a healthy diet, inclusive of certain foods, can help reduce these symptoms.
Iron-Rich Foods
Iron is a mineral required for oxygen transport and cell growth. If your child has iron-deficient anemia, the most common form, iron-rich foods provide a valuable, safe alternative to iron supplements, which can be toxic to children. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, children between 12 months and eight years old require between 7 and 10 mg of iron daily. Iron-rich foods that may suit your child's appetite and needs include grilled or baked chicken breasts, canned tuna, iron-fortified cold and hot cereals, soybeans, lentils and kidney beans. Foods that contain modest amounts of iron include canned or boiled spinach, grits, raisins and enriched whole wheat and white breads. Since fortified foods contain various amounts of iron, usually between 25 and 100 percent of a child or adult's daily recommended allowance, check food packaging before making your purchases.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that enhances immune system function and production of collagen--a substance that protects joints and ligaments and contributes to smoothness of skin. Consuming at least 250 mg of vitamin C per day supports healthy iron absorption. A variety of healthy foods contain rich amounts of vitamin C, including red bell peppers, citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, broccoli, tomato juice, cantaloupe, cabbage, baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, green peas and fortified breakfast cereals. Incorporate vitamin C-rich foods into your child's diet regularly for optimum benefits.
Vitamin B-Rich Foods
Deficiencies of B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12 and folate, are associated with vitamin deficient, pernicious and folate forms of anemia. If your child lacks vitamin B12, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends meats, eggs, tuna and cheese as valuable dietary sources. If your child cannot absorb vitamin B12, however, your doctor may prescribe supplements as well. Increasing your child's intake of folate and folic acid, the synthetic version of folate, may also reduce anemia symptoms. Valuable sources of folate include beef liver, spinach, asparagus and legumes, such as cow peas and great northern beans. A variety of child-friendly foods, such as cereals, breads and crackers, are fortified with 25 to 100 percent of your child's daily recommended allowance of folic acid.
