To ensure that your child is receiving adequate iron from their food, it is crucial to speak with their pediatrician.
Hemoglobin, the protein on red blood cells that transports oxygen to your organs and tissues, need iron as a component. Numerous other processes, including growth and development as well as the condition of muscles, skin, and hair, are also influenced by it.
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) can occur when you don’t obtain enough iron. Your body is unable to produce enough healthy red blood cells to deliver oxygen when you have IDA.
IDA can have a wide range of reasons. Overconsumption of cow’s milk is a major contributor to IDA in infants and young children.
How to keep infants and toddlers from developing iron deficient anemia
Making sure infants and toddlers are getting enough iron is the greatest method to prevent IDA. Since every child has distinct needs when it comes to iron consumption, there are a number of approaches to adopt.
Children who only drink breast milk may require iron supplements when they are six months old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source. Before your child is six months old, a nurse or doctor can advise if iron supplements are necessary.
According to the CDC, iron requirements for infants fed formula food may usually be satisfied during the first 12 months of life by using an iron-fortified formula.
Parents may start introducing solid foods to their child’s diet at six months of age. By incorporating healthy iron-rich foods into your child’s diet during this time, you can help guarantee they get enough iron. A few instances includeReliable Source:
grain products or cereals enriched
grain products or cereals enriched with iron dark green veggies
lentils and chickpeas, fish, fowl, and meats
Iron absorption can also be aided by foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and broccoli. Each child has different iron requirements; for instance, preterm babies may require more iron due to their increased risk of IDATrusted Source. Therefore, it’s important to consult your child’s pediatrician for advice on how to meet your child’s unique iron needs.
Could an adult iron deficit result from consuming too much milk?
Although adults who consume excessive amounts of milk may develop IDA, this is less likely to occur.
Growth and development depend on iron.Trusted Source, allowing growing kids to use up their iron reserves more quickly. These stores might not restock as rapidly as necessary, depending on the child’s diet.
However, a diet deficient in iron can still cause IDA in adults.
Low iron levels are more likely to occur in people who follow a completely vegetarian or vegan diet, according to the American Society of Hematology. Adults should be mindful of the following additional prevalent risk factors for IDA:
severe menstrual bleeding, pregnancy and lactation, major surgeries or injuries that have resulted in blood loss, bariatric surgery, especially gastric bypass, and specific medical diseases such inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and peptic ulcer disease
Why do infants and toddlers who consume cow’s milk get iron deficiency anemia?
Most babies get enough iron in their first several months of life. The iron found in the milk you choose for your infant, such as breast milk, and the iron retained by the placenta are important sources of iron at this time. For the first 12 months of life, a child’s iron needs can also be satisfied by regular infant formulasTrusted Source.
As they grow and develop after the first few months of life, newborns require more iron from their food. However, even though cow’s milk is a significant source ofIt is a reliable source of calcium and has a low iron content.
Iron from cow’s milk is also poorly absorbed by a child’s digestive tract. According to a 2023 assessment, 50% of the iron in breast milk is absorbed, while just 10% of the iron in cow’s milk is. Moreover, casein and calcium, which are present in cow’s milk, can inhibit the absorption of iron by the digestive system.
According to a 2022 analysis, a lot of people could think that milk has more nutrients than it actually does. This could result in consuming more milk and consuming fewer meals high in iron.
Furthermore, the intestinal lining may get irritated by a cow’s milk intolerance. Iron levels may drop even further as a result of blood loss in the digestive system.
Children who consume more than 16 to 24 ounces (2 to 3 cups) of cow’s milk daily are more likely to develop IDA, according to the American Society of Hematology.
Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia in newborns and toddlers
Among the possible signs of IDA in infants and young children areReliable Source:
Skin lighter than their normal complexion is called pallor.
extreme fatigue or irritation due to a lack of energy
lightheadedness
Breathlessness
rapid heartbeat
A youngster may have IDA without exhibiting any overt symptoms. A blood test can be used by a pediatrician to check for low iron levels.
All children should have an IDA screening between the ages of 9 and 12 months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.