Thalassemia Patients and Friends
Discussion Forums => Diet, Nutrition and Supplements => Topic started by: Missy123 on December 19, 2016, 12:05:57 AM
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Hi All
Just wondered if anyone has any diet tips / advice for a baby. My baby boy is 12 months old. He has a possible diagnosis of hbe beta thalasemia.
I am researching different foods and how they will benefit in keeping his hgb levels up. He has previously had 2 transfusions which was 5 months ago & has since managed to stay transfusion free.
because he turned a year old I have changed his formula milk to cows milk. He has food which is mashed up or liquidised. He is teething at the moment.
Are there any specific foods he should have regularly?
Are there any foods he should avoid?
I have briefly read about the benefits of wheatgrass. Is this suitable for a baby to consume? & in what form should it be consumed?
Aporeciate any input.
Regards
sajeda
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Hi Sajeda,
Wheatgrass can be very helpful, but for a young child, either the extract, which is extremely easy to take, or wheatgrass powder mixed in liquid would be the easiest form. Folate and wheatgrass work together, so add folate, as well. 400 mcg would be good at this age. A healthy diet, high in nutrients is advised. If the Hb is below 10, high iron foods like red meat should be minimized, to lower the added iron absorption that takes place in low Hb patients. At this age, it is important to make an effort to install good eating habits, eating nutritious real foods and avoiding junk food.
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Hi
Thanks for that advice. Baby Y has folic acid daily (8mg).
I have bought some wheatgrass from our local health store in the powder form. How much should i give him daily. I have been adding a spoonful to his meal once a day. Should i give more?
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That's probably enough for now.
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Dear Andy,
Whereas 12 months Baby Y taking 8 mg folic acid ,my 3 yrs old baby taking only 2.5 mg.
Is it ok? ???
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8 mg is fairly high for a child...but let us know how the child does at that dose.
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May I continue 2.5 mg for my 3 yrs old baby ?
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Yes. I wouldn't suggest higher at her age.
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Sorry baby Ys dose is 8ml not mg my mistake. He takes it in liquid form and its equivalent to 2 tea spoons. Does that make any difference. He seems to be doing well with it. His hb levels fluctuate around 60-70. He has not started transfusing.
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Does the folate container say how many mcg are in on ml of liquid folate?
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I have checked the label on the bottle says 2.5mg per 5ml. He takes 8ml which means his daily folate amount is 3.75mg.
The haemotologist increased it 2 months ago because he is maintaining hb levels and trying to avoid transfusions.
Baby Y is being monitored every week. Last week his hb was 69 and this week his hb is 71. I am hoping the wheatgrass and folic combo will help in maintaining hb levels.
Is there anything else I can give him to help him raise hb levels?
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B-12 500-1000 mcg and 250 mg magnesium. I would also add natural vitamin E for its antioxidant properties, which can help red blood cells last longer. 200-400 IU daily
I agree with the dose of folate and would go as high as 5 mg daily. Also, if the child doesn't get a lot of sun, vitamin D should be taken.
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Dear Andy thanks for help us.
My son is 20 month age he is sickle and beta thal patient. Can I use for my son wheatgrass with Hydra and folic acid and multivitamins syrup.
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Yes, you can. It may help to raise the Hb some which lowers the risk of problems.
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thanks dear for your quick reply. please suggest me which form of wheat grass should be taken?
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Powder or tablets is usually the most convenient way to take wheatgrass. It should also be organic.