As a mother, you want to make sure that your toddler is healthy and growing properly. Iron is a necessary component for your child’s development. Here’s a little guide to help you understand its importance.
Why Is Iron Important?
Iron is like a superhero for your toddler’s body. It helps make hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to every cell in the body. Without enough iron, your child may feel tired, have difficulty growing, and become ill more frequently (1). Iron also promotes brain development, which is important as your toddler learns and grows.
How Common is Iron Deficiency in Indian Kids?
Iron deficiency anemia is a big issue in India. Surveys show that over 67% of Indian children under the age of five are anemic, with many lacking adequate iron levels (2). This means that many children may not be getting adequate iron to support healthy growth and development.
Why Your Toddler’s Diet May be Lacking Iron?
There are a few reasons why your toddler may not be getting enough iron.
1. Unsuitable Dietary Options or Combinations :
Majority of Indians are vegetarians and traditional Indian diets consist of a lot of grains and pulses. While these are nutritious, they contain non-heme iron, which is not as easily absorbed as heme iron from meat (3).Also if iron rich foods are eaten along with dairy, tea or coffee, iron is not absorbed well.
2. Dearth of Fortified Foods:
While there are iron-fortified foods available, they may not always be included in your toddler’s daily diet.
3. Lack of Variety:
Sometimes diets do not include a variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C which can aid in iron absorption.
Iron is necessary for toddlers to develop strong muscles and bones, supporting their physical activities and growth spurts. Normal iron levels help maintain adequate oxygen transport throughout the body, reducing the risk of fatigue and weakness. Moreover, a well-balanced iron intake helps in cognitive development, ensuring toddlers reach their developmental milestones on time.
References:
- Kotecha, P. V., & Joshi, A. S. (2015). Iron deficiency anemia in children. *Indian Journal of Pediatrics*, 82(8), 741-747.
- National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) (2019-21). Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
- Agarwal, S., & Moshiri, A. (2016). Iron deficiency anemia in children. *Pediatric Annals*, 45(12), e425-e431.