Iron is a mineral that the body needs to help make hemoglobin to carry oxygen through the blood. Most children get enough iron from the foods they eat. Foods rich in iron include animal products, such as meat and eggs, spinach and iron-fortified cereals. Iron deficiency may occur for children who do not get enough dietary iron. The recommended amount of iron each day ranges between 0.27mg and 15mg per day but varies depending on the age and gender of the child, according to Medline Plus. Not getting enough iron may result in anemia and require the use of iron supplements.
Who Needs Supplements
Children may require the use of iron supplements for a variety of reasons. Teenagers are at risk for iron deficiency because of rapid growth, skipping meals, low intake of animal products and intensive physical activities, such as sports. Teenage girls are at risk for iron-deficiency anemia because of beginning or increasing the flow during menstruation. Younger children may begin to shy away from meat products when they find out the source of food, which may put them at risk of iron deficiency. Symptoms of iron deficiency include weakness, paleness, dizziness, decreased appetite, irritability, fatigue and a rapid heart rate. These symptoms require treatment. Children who cannot increase iron in the diet may need to begin taking oral supplements to correct the deficiency.
Additional Uses
In addition to correcting iron deficiency, children may use iron supplements to treat other conditions. Iron supplements may help treat anemia caused by a chronic disease, such as cancer or congenital heart problems. Using supplemental iron may help improve memory, thinking and learning ability for children with iron levels on the lower end of the normal range.
Oral Iron Supplements
Iron supplements are available over-the-counter. Two types of iron supplements -- ferric and ferrous -- may help treat iron deficiency. Most iron supplements contain ferrous iron because the body absorbs it better than the ferric form. Three groups of ferrous supplements exist -- ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate. Each supplement contains varying amounts of elemental iron even though the tablet is the same size. In addition to tablets, iron is available as a liquid and capsule. Young children may swallow the liquid iron supplements better than a tablet form. Follow a physician's instructions on dosage and frequency for the supplements. Drinking orange juice may help the body absorb the iron better, according to the National Anemia Action Council. Once an iron supplement corrects a deficiency, a child may not need to continue taking iron.
Common Side Effects
Iron may cause constipation or diarrhea for children. The supplements may also cause an upset stomach. Slowly increasing the dosage or taking the supplement in divided doses a couple of times a day instead of all at once may help minimize adverse reactions. Children taking the liquid form of iron supplements may experience a staining on the teeth. Mixing liquid iron with juice or water may help prevent the tooth staining. Tooth-whitening products may remove the staining.
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