A child’s growing body requires various nutrients that play a critical role in optimal development and preventing nutritional diseases. The body doesn’t produce these micronutrients, or vitamins and minerals naturally; therefore, kids need to get them from their diet. A nutrient deficiency or micronutrient malnutrition in kids occurs when a child has an inadequate intake of the necessary amount of a specific nutrient intake. They can also occur when the body doesn’t absorb a specific nutrient properly. These nutrient intake deficiencies can lead to numerous health problems including stunted growth, digestive issues, skin problems, and poor bone development.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency among children. As a result of improved iron supplementation, the prevalence of iron deficiency has been on the decline during the first year of life. However, the rate of iron deficiency among toddlers and school-aged children has remained constant for decades.

As your infant transitions into toddlerhood, food pickiness may take center stage. As a result, your child may be lacking in this essential nutrient. Your child requires iron for numerous bodily functions. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

HOW MUCH IRON DOES MY CHILD NEED?

Breast-fed infants typically get enough iron from their mothers until roughly 4-6 months of age. Around this time, iron-rich solid foods should be introduced. Breastfed babies who don’t get enough iron can be prescribed supplemental iron by their healthcare professional.

• Babies drinking iron-fortified formula do not need added iron.
• Depending on their age, kids need different amounts of iron:
• Infants ages 7–12 months need 11 milligrams of iron per day
• Toddlers ages 1–3 years need 7 milligrams of iron per day
• Kids ages 4–8 years need 10 milligrams per day
• Kids ages 9–13 years need 8 milligrams per day