Iron is an essential element of good health for people of all ages. Iron plays an important role in the body, aiding in the production of red blood cells and the distribution of oxygen throughout your body. Your body also needs iron for proper immune function, metabolism and the production of enzymes. Babies are born with iron stores, which then need to be replenished by dietary iron as stores are used up. An iron deficiency can have a serious health implications in 1-year-olds, affecting their mental and physical development.
Growth and Iron Deficiency
Babies experience rapid growth during their first year of life, with most babies tripling their birth weight by their first birthday. With this rapid growth also comes increased blood volume, an increased need for red blood cells and increased iron needs. The iron stores that your baby acquired in utero are usually used up by the time your child reaches 6 months of age. Waning iron stores coupled with ongoing rapid growth as your child approaches his first birthday can place him at risk for an iron deficiency.
Diet and Iron Deficiency
Inadequate iron in the diet is the leading cause of iron deficiencies in children. Because iron is stored in the body, an iron-rich diet during the first year of life can help prevent an iron deficiency as a 1-year-old. Iron from breast milk is easily absorbed by infants, and if breast feeding is not possible, iron-fortified infant formula can also provide adequate iron. After the age of 6 months, iron-fortified cereals can be introduced, which can help replenish iron stores. Early introduction of cow's milk can also cause an iron deficiency. Cow's milk is low in iron, and may actually interfere with the absorption of iron from other foods. Cow's milk should not be given to children before their first birthday.
Other causes of Iron Deficiency
In addition to rapid growth and inadequate dietary iron, other medical conditions can cause an iron deficiency in 1-year-olds. Children born at a low birth weigh or born prematurely have lower iron stores at birth, increasing their risk for developing an iron deficiency. Gastrointestinal disorders can also lead to an iron deficiency by preventing the body from absorbing iron well, despite adequate dietary intake. Gastrointestinal disorders can also cause intestinal bleeding, which can also lead to an iron deficiency.
Treatment of Iron Deficiency
Your child's doctor may prescribe an iron supplement to correct an iron deficiency. Iron supplements are effective in treating an iron deficiency, but can be toxic in large amounts. Always keep iron supplements out of reach of children. In addition to an iron supplement, a diet rich in iron can help prevent or correct an iron deficiency. Meat, beans, iron-fortified cereals, egg yolks, peas, blackstrap molasses and whole grain breads are good sources of dietary iron. Limiting cow's milk to 24 oz. per day can also help prevent an iron deficiency. The Nemour's Foundation recommends limiting cow's milk, which is low in iron, to 16 to 24 oz. per day to help prevent iron deficiency in 1-year-olds.
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