Kids should not be taking iron supplements unless under direct supervision of a doctor. In most cases, children get enough iron from breastfeeding or fortified formula. As they move into eating more solid foods, they should get enough iron from fortified baby cereal or baby food. Iron deficiency in children is not very common as long as they're getting a balanced diet. Breastfeeding mothers who have low iron themselves might pass on the deficiency to their babies.
Infants Under 7 Months
Babies are born with a reserve of iron, according to AskDrSears.com. This is iron they've obtained from the mother as they were growing in the womb. However, some babies might need supplementation, especially if the mother had low iron or if the baby was born prematurely. Breastfed babies also get iron from breast milk. At this age, the iron requirement is just 0.27 mg per day, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements, so the number is easily met.
Infants From 7 to 12 Months
Since the reserves of iron only last for about six months, babies over this age might need supplements. The daily requirement as this age is 11 mg per day states the University of Maryland Medical Center, which is more than adult males need. Iron is essential at this age for proper age and development, so it's usually added to baby formula and foods.
Kids Over 1 Year Old
Infants over one year old need 10 mg of iron daily. The UMMC breaks this even further, based on age. Infants from 1 to 3 years need 7 mg, while those from 4 to 8 years of age need 10 mg. The requirements go down between the ages of 9 and 13 years, when the daily needs are just 8 mg.
Deficiencies
Babies who are vegan or whose mothers are vegan are at a higher risk of an iron deficiency. Babies with a low birth weight are also at risk of iron deficiency and might need a higher intake of iron in order to ensure they have a good supply to last them six months. In infants, iron supplementation is often done in the form of fortified formula. Special high-iron formulas also exist.
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