What is iron?

Iron is an element that your child’s body uses to build red blood  cells which carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron  keeps your child full of energy, allows for optimal growth and  development, and also helps to prevent lead poisoning.

Your child’s body uses a lot of iron to build red blood cells, particularly during growth spurts.

Eating enough iron will help prevent anemia (too few red blood cells) and iron deficiency.

Eating too much iron by overdosing on iron supplements can be poisonous.

What are the symptoms of low iron?

• Pale skin

• Low energy

• Poor appetite

• Difficulty concentrating

• Suboptimal growth

Prevention and Treatment for low iron

Every infant should be on an iron containing formula. Low iron formulas should be avoided.

When your child is old enough to take solid foods, have your child eat iron-rich foods.

• Iron fortified cereal

• Chicken, turkey, fish, tuna fish

• Liver, beef, pork

• Molasses, prune juice

• Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale

• Black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, baked beans

• Peanut butter for children older than 1 year who are not allergic to peanuts

Have your child eat vitamin C-rich foods to help absorb the iron better.

• Fruit juices with vitamin C

• Peppers

• Broccoli

• Strawberries

• Tomatoes

• Papayas

• Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit)

• Cauliflower

We may prescribe an iron supplement for your child.

• Iron supplements may temporarily darken your child’s teeth. Be sure  to have your child rinse out her mouth well after taking the medication.

• Iron supplements may darken your child’s stools. Do not be alarmed, and do not stop the medication without consulting someone in our office.

Warning signs – Call our office for advice if:

Your child accidentally ingested too much of an iron supplement, Call Our Office Now.

You have any questions or concerns, or if you have any doubts about the severity of your child’s symptoms, Call Our Office Now.