Is your child pumping enough iron?


Although having an iron deficiency is not as serious as developing anemia, it still effects your child's development. Iron is a necessary nutrient for his or her growing body. It is essential for the function of red blood cells in the body, which transport oxygen in the blood.

One out of ten American children has an iron deficiency. If you are concerned, look for these symptoms.

Fatigue
Short attention span
Appetite loss
Loss of short term memory

What causes iron deficiency?
There are many causes. Among them, is starting cow's milk too early or drinking excessive amounts of milk. Absence of meat may also be a culprit. Some children may eat substances such as chalk, dirt, etc. which may hinder the absorption of iron. Furthermore your child's nutritional needs are expanding and they require more iron.

If you are concerned about your child's health, always consult the pediatrician before giving him or her an iron supplement or any other supplement. Too much iron from a supplement can be devastating. Some children have a genetic disorder that may cause an overload.

However, you can ensure that your child gets enough iron by using these tips.

  • Use only iron fortified formula, unless the doctor's advise against it.
  • Wait until your child is 1 year old until you introduce cow's milk. Cow's milk contains little to no iron. Consequently, the diet becomes iron poor causing the deficiency.
  • If you breastfeed, when you introduce solid make sure it is fortified with iron.
  • Combine foods rich in Vitamin C (such as citrus fruits) with iron rich vegetables (such as spinach). Vegetables do contain iron however, it is not as absorbable as iron from meat products. Vitamin C helps with absorption.
  • Incorporate meat such as chicken, ground beef, and tuna into the diet. These are all a good source of iron.
  • Dried fruit, lentils, and beans are also a good source of iron.
  • Try cereal that as been fortified with iron.

Good nutrition is the key to your child's health. If you have any concerns about your child's nutrition status, consult your pediatrician and/or a registered dietitian. You can also visit the American Dietetic Association http://www.eatright.org for more information and nutrition tips.

Eat Right! Eat Healthy! Good Eating!

The copyright of the article Is your child pumping enough iron? in Infant & Child Nutrition is owned by Vanessa Selene Williams. Permission to republish Is your child pumping enough iron? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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