Iron deficiency is seen most often between six months and three years of age, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. This is not only because toddlers are growing so quickly, but also may be because toddlers are notoriously picky eaters and may not get an adequate amount of iron from the foods they eat. However, parents can do their part in making sure that their toddler doesn't develop an iron deficiency by making sure there is always iron rich foods frequently available at each meal.
Meats and Poultry
The iron from foods derived from animals, like meats and eggs, can be more easily absorbed by your toddler's body, whereas only about 5 percent of the iron from foods not derived from animals is absorbed, according to Debbie Donovon, expert contributor at iVillage. Therefore, animal foods are always good choices when trying to increase your toddler's intake of iron. Animal foods that are particularly high in iron include liver, beef, lamb, pork, eggs and chicken. However, common toddler food favorites like hamburgers, nuggets, pepperoni pizza and meatballs also will do the trick.
Non-Animal Foods
Although less iron may be absorbed from non-animal foods, foods that include iron and Vitamin C are particularly desirable because Vitamin C will help your toddler's body absorb the iron, according to the Kids Health site. Fruit and vegetable options with a high amount of iron include spinach, broccoli, green peas, potatoes, beans, lentils, dried fruits and blackstrap molasses. Orange juice and prune juice are also good choices. Grains that contain a good amount of iron include whole grain bread, white bread, oats, branflakes and cornflakes. Although nuts and peanut butter also can be good sources of iron, talk to your toddler's pediatrician before introducing these foods to your toddler as some doctors recommend waiting until after a child is three-years-old before having these foods, according to Kids Health.
Iron-fortified Foods
Fortunately, there are many processed foods that are specially fortified with iron. These may include breakfast cereals, breads and even snack items. Look on the label when doing your shopping and make your selections based not only upon the foods that have the most milligrams of iron per serving, but also the ones that your toddler likes and will be more likely to eat.
Member Comments