Children need iron for good health and development. The body needs iron to make hemoglobin which carries oxygen to all the cells and hence iron is one of the most important minerals.
Lack of iron can cause anemia, a disorder in which oxygen doesn’t reach all your cells. Babies with iron deficiency can face slow development and may be less physically active. Symptoms of iron deficiency include slow weight gain, pale skin, loss of appetite. They may also feel weak and unhealthy.
Babies generally come with an iron reserve which they get from mothers when in the womb. Breastmilk provides for the required iron in the first six months. In case you are unable to breastfeed, consult your doctor for alternatives. After your baby turns 6, you should not wait long enough to introduce iron-rich foods in his diet.
If you have a preterm baby or your baby is underweight, he might need an iron supplement. Talk to your doctor about it.
Types of Iron
There are two different types of iron:
- Heme iron – It is found in meats and is absorbed easily by the body
- Non-Heme iron – it is found in plant sources like legumes, vegetables, and cereals.
Foods that are rich in iron include:
- Foods like chicken, fish, and egg are good sources of iron
- Grains and cereals: Iron-fortified cereals, whole wheat or multigrain bread, and rice.
- Legumes: Chickpeas, lentils, peas, and beans.
- Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, sprouts, green peas, beans.
Iron can be best absorbed if combined with Vitamin C rich food. Good sources of vitamin C include oranges, tomatoes, and red pepper.
