Iron is essential for health and development. Supplementation with iron can improve learning and memory if your child is experiencing a deficiency. According to Babycenter.com, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the United States. It is important to understand how your child can get iron in his diet. Seek a doctor's guidance before supplementing as too much iron can be harmful to your child's health.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
A lack of iron can cause a decrease in red blood cells, resulting in iron deficiency anemia that can cause long-lasting cognitive development problems. Symptoms include blood in stools, brittle nails, decreased appetite, headache, fatigue, irritability and weakness. If a blood test confirms that your child has iron deficiency anemia, taking iron supplements can bring iron levels back to normal within a couple of months. According to Healthy Children, breast-fed infants may also need iron supplements because breast milk contains little iron. Follow a doctor's guidelines regarding dosage before supplementing.
Dosage and Sources
A baby 6 to 12 months of age needs about 1 mg of iron a day. From 1 to 3 years of age, he needs 7 mg of iron, and from 4 to 8 years of age, he needs 10 mg daily. Sources of iron include raisins, legumes, whole grains, apricots, kale, prunes, spinach, meat, liver, fish, poultry and eggs. One slice of whole wheat bread has 0.9 mg of iron and 1/2 cup of fortified cereal can have up to 12 mg. Many types of infant formula are also fortified with iron. These recommendations are only guidelines, however; a doctor should be consulted about proper dosages for your child.
Safety
Iron can come in liquid or pill form. It is also included in many types of of multivitamins. If your child's doctor recommends that she takes iron supplements, be sure to keep them out of reach and follow dosage guidelines carefully. Offer the vitamins to your child along with food, because iron can cause her stomach to be upset.
Warning
Be sure to follow the dosing instructions from your child's doctor exactly. Too much iron in your child's body can be toxic. He should not consume more than 40 mg a day of iron from vitamin and food sources combined.
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