A proper balance of nutrients is an important way to ensure that your child is as healthy as she can be. Iron is one nutrient that is crucial for your child's growth and development. Iron deficiencies can negatively impact your child's health. Educating yourself about the importance of iron and how to ensure your child gets enough will help protect her health and growth.
Role of Iron in Children
Iron is an essential mineral that enables your child's body to produce hemoglobin, which is the component of red blood cells that supplies his tissues and organs with oxygen. Getting sufficient amounts of oxygen to all parts of your child's body helps each system work properly so your child remains in good health. Children ages 1 to 12 need to get 7 to 10 mg of iron per day, according to KidsHealth. Boys over the age of 12 need 11 mg of iron per day and girls the same age require 15 mg each day.
Causes of Low Iron
Your child may have an iron deficiency for several reasons. A diet low in iron is one way to deplete your child's store and cause a deficiency. If your child is going through adolescence, she may also be low on iron because of the rapid growth that takes place during this period. An adolescent girl may also have an iron deficiency if she is menstruating, which often causes loss of iron. Child athletes may have a tendency to be low in iron because of their intense activity level. Another reason your child may have low iron could be a medical problem that prevents her body from absorbing the iron from her food.
Iron Deficiency Symptoms
If your child has an iron deficiency, he will exhibit certain symptoms that signal a problem. If your child shows any of these symptoms, make an appointment with his doctor. An iron deficiency can cause blood in your child's stool, decreased appetite, brittle nails, fatigue, headache, pale skin, irritability, sore tongue and weakness. You may also notice that your child has blue-tinged or pale whites in his eyes.
Increasing Iron Levels
If your child has low iron, she may be prescribed a supplement to help her get her levels back to normal. Offering your child iron-rich foods can help increase her levels, as well as maintain them in the future. Lean beef, pork and chicken are nutritious sources of iron. Fish, raisins, egg yolks, peas, beans, enriched bread and fortified breakfast cereals are additional sources of iron that are also a part of a nutritious diet.
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