Is your child facing developmental delays or impaired cognitive functions? There is a high chance that your kid might be iron deficient. Although babies are born with iron stored in their bodies, still a steady amount of additional iron is needed to fuel a child’s rapid growth and development. If you want to know exactly what iron deficiency is, its symptoms and how to prevent it, keep reading this blogpost.

What is the importance of Iron?

Iron helps move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and helps muscles store and use oxygen. If your child’s diet lacks iron, he or she might develop a condition called iron deficiency. This can pose several health challenges for your little ones.

Who is at Risk of Iron Deficiency?

Though iron-deficiency can easily affect children, but still certain kids are more vulnerable due to the following factors:

• Children with certain health conditions like chronic infections or restricted diets.
• Children who drink more than 24 ounces of cow/goat or soy milk.
• Breastfed babies who are not given complementary foods containing iron after the age of 6 months.

Signs of Iron deficiency

If you think that your child might be suffering from iron deficiency, look out for the following signs:

• Pale skin
• Cold hands and feet
• Slowed growth & development
• Frequent infections
• Poor appetite

Tips to prevent iron deficiency

Don’t overdo milk: While milk is essential for calcium, excessive milk consumption can interfere with iron absorption. Limit your child’s milk intake to about 2 to 3 cups per day and encourage them to eat iron-rich foods.

Iron-Fortified Foods: Choose iron-fortified cereals, bread, and pasta to increase your child’s iron intake. Look for products labeled with added iron.

Positive Mealtime Environment: Create a positive and relaxed mealtime environment. Encourage your child to enjoy meals and explore different foods.

Don’t forget to add Vitamin C rich foods: Vitamin C is essential for iron absorption in our bodies, so if your child is iron deficient besides giving them iron supplements, it is also important to make sure that you are including enough vitamin C in your kids diet.

Regular Check-ups: Remember that every child is unique, and their iron needs may vary. It’s essential to consult with a pediatrician to create a personalized plan to prevent iron deficiency and promote overall health in your child. Our specialist pediatrician can easily check the iron levels of your child through a simple blood test.

If you are noticing any symptoms of iron deficiency in your child consult our specialist pediatrician Dr. Alluramma Anappu Reddy at New Apollo Polyclinic. She can help you monitor the iron levels as well as the overall health of your children.