Anemia in Children: Causes, Natural Remedies, and Dietary Plan

What Is Anemia?

Anemia is a medical condition in which the body has a reduced number of red blood cells or a lower-than-normal concentration of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to various tissues and organs. When hemoglobin levels drop, the oxygen supply to body organs becomes insufficient, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

While conventional treatments for anemia are effective and often necessary, many natural and home remedies can help children recover and improve their hemoglobin levels overall. If you are interested in safe, holistic options for managing anemia, the following remedies—recommended by doctors and specialists—may be helpful.

Natural and Home Remedies

1. Offer Your Child Beetroot

Beetroot is rich in iron and folic acid, essential for producing red blood cells. Regular consumption can improve hemoglobin levels and enhance oxygen transport.

• Can be eaten raw in salads, steamed, cooked, or blended into juice.

• Drinking beetroot juice on an empty stomach enhances absorption.

2. Provide Citrus Fruits

Vitamin C significantly improves iron absorption in children with iron-deficiency anemia.

• Sources include oranges, lemons, sweet lime, amla (Indian gooseberry), and guava.

• Encourage daily consumption to boost recovery.

3. Treat with Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses is a natural source of iron, B vitamins, magnesium, and calcium.

• Supports red blood cell production and hemoglobin levels.

• Mix 1 teaspoon into warm water or plant-based milk, once daily on an empty stomach.

4. Don’t Forget Spinach

Spinach helps manage folate deficiency, which can lead to megaloblastic anemia.

• Rich in folic acid, iron, and vitamins A and C.

• Best consumed lightly cooked or sautéed to maximize nutrient absorption.

⚠️ Severe iron-deficiency anemia can increase risks of heart and lung complications, such as rapid heartbeat or heart failure. Treatment should be sought immediately if symptoms appear.

5. Add Bananas

Bananas provide vitamin C, folic acid, and potassium.

• Support metabolism and improve nutrient absorption.

• Contain little iron, so should be considered a supportive—not primary—treatment.

6. Include Dates, Raisins, Currants, and Figs

These foods are natural sources of iron, fiber, and energy.

• Pair with vitamin C-rich fruits (like oranges or amla) to boost absorption.

• Eating soaked dates, raisins, or figs several times a week supports hemoglobin levels.

7. Use Black Sesame Seeds

Black sesame seeds are rich in iron, calcium, and magnesium.

• Soak 1 teaspoon overnight, eat in the morning (chewed or ground).

• Best taken with vitamin C foods to improve absorption.

Do Herbs Help Boost Iron in Children?

Yes. Many herbs and natural foods can complement anemia treatment by improving iron absorption and overall health.

Research shows that combining traditional herbal medicine with iron supplements:

• Improves hemoglobin levels.

• Reduces side effects compared to iron supplements alone.

Examples of Helpful Herbs:

• Holy Basil (Tulsi): Antioxidants and vitamin C support iron absorption.

• Dang-Gui-Bu-Xue-Tang (DBT): Enhances iron absorption, especially if taken 2 hours before iron supplements.

• Chinese Angelica Root, White Peony Root, and Moringa Oleifera: Improve blood markers like hemoglobin and ferritin with fewer digestive side effects.

• Herbal blends (e.g., Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Elephantopus scaber, Amaranthus tricolor): Improve quality of life in anemia patients sensitive to iron therapy.

• Other herbs: Ginseng, chamomile, mint, saffron, ginger, cumin—animal studies show they improve iron absorption and blood health.

Dietary Guidelines for Children with Anemia

When planning your child’s diet, keep these rules in mind:

• ❌ Avoid combining iron-rich foods with inhibitors such as milk (high calcium), coffee, tea, or eggs.

• ✅ Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources (oranges, strawberries, tomatoes).

• ✅ Include beta-carotene-rich foods (apricots, beets, red peppers) to aid iron metabolism.

• ✅ Offer both heme iron (meat, fish) and non-heme iron (beans, leafy greens) in the same meal.

• ✅ Ensure intake of folic acid (leafy greens, beans, lentils) and vitamin B12 (eggs, dairy, meat) for healthy red blood cell production.