Does my child need iron?
Kids need a steady amount of iron to fuel their rapid growth and development! Too little iron can impair their ability to function well.
Iron deficiency can cause anemia and is associated with impaired neurocognitive development in kids, including slower visual and auditory processing.
It can present as anything from slowed growth & development, to fatigue/sleepiness, to behavioral problems or unusual cravings for nonfood items, such as ice, dirt or paint!
The AAP recommends all babies be screened at 12 months of age for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. This is done through a blood draw.
Full-term healthy babies receive enough iron from mom in the third trimester of pregnancy to last for the first 4 -6 months of life.
After 6 months of age, babies who are exclusively breastfed are at increased risk for iron deficiency anemia because breastmilk contains little iron.
So, if your baby is breastfed, you should ask about supplementing with 1 mg/kg/day of liquid iron around 4-6 months of age.
If your baby is formula-fed, it is recommended that you use iron-fortified formula, which contains about 4-12 mg of iron from birth through 1 year of age.
Preemies have fewer iron stores, so they often need additional iron beyond what they receive from breast milk or formula! In these cases, talk to your doctor if supplementation with iron is needed earlier, sometimes as early as after the first 2 weeks of life.
Other ways you can prevent iron deficiency?
Serve iron-rich foods, such as iron-fortified baby cereal, puréed meats, and puréed beans. Sources for older kiddos include red meat, chicken, fish, beans and spinach.
Don’t overdo milk after age 1! Cow's milk is actually low in iron. So if your kids drink too much, they may be less hungry for iron-rich foods. Plus, milk decreases iron absorption in the gut. We recommend 12-16 oz of cow’s milk per day in children over the age of one.
Vitamin C helps to promote the absorption of dietary iron. So serving your kid foods rich in Vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, cantaloupe, strawberries, bell peppers or tomatoes can be beneficial!
Ask your pediatrician about iron supplements for your kids! We also have some recommendations in our Amazon Storefront.
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