Is my child getting enough Iron?

 

Iron is needed for healthy red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body and for normal growth and development.  Low levels of iron cause iron deficiency anaemia, which can result in (1):

•          Tiredness, irritability and poor concentration
•          Pale skin
•          Poor appetite
•          Poor growth and more frequent infections

Iron deficiency anaemia is diagnosed after a blood test is done.

Main causes of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Poor diet is the most likely cause in babies from 6 -24 months (2). Not eating enough foods high in iron . Many children replace iron rich food sources with juices, sweets and processed foods and as a result don’t get enough nutrient dense sources of food daily.

Filling up on milk!  Keep to a maximum of a 450ml a day  in children over 2 years old so you don’t spoil your appetite and you have room for plenty of foods high in iron.

Where the diet has good sources of iron other causes for iron deficiency anaemia should be investigated (can also be found in Coeliac Disease).

Vitamin C can increase the amount of iron absorbed from plant foods(4)

Most fruit and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, so try to eat plenty of these with your meals, particularly:

•          Citrus fruits such as oranges, satsumas, grapefruit and their fruit juices
•          Blackcurrant & juice-based drinks (low sugar options are available)
•          Kiwi, pomegranate & all berries
•         Lightly cooked cabbage, broccoli, spinach & other green vegetables
•          Peppers, tomatoes and salad vegetables

It is important to note that very high fibre intakes and high intakes of tea can reduce the amount of iron absorbed. The tannin found in tea can reduce the absorption of the iron from food, so try not to drink tea with your meals. 

Iron deficiency anaemia can be reversed through dietary changes. It is extremely important to see a dietitian if your child has iron deficiency anaemia, or you may suspect your child's iron intake is low. There are certain ‘enhancers’ and ‘inhibitors’ that are involved in iron absorption that you dietitian would explain to you, specific to your child's current eating habits. Here at nutrition synergy, we have a specialist paediatric dietitian who will help with reversing your child's iron deficiency and give you a meal plan for your child to ensure they are meeting their requirements.

Blog Sources:  https://nutritionsynergy.co.uk/is-my-child-getting-enough-iron/