It is one of the most important nutrients for babies and toddlers, so how can you make sure your baby is getting enough iron?
Babies are born with a store of iron in their body that lasts
around six months. After that, this store starts to become
depleted. So an iron-rich diet is essential to keep them
healthy.
What is iron?
Iron is involved in the production of red blood cells, which
transport oxygen around the body. It also helps to release energy
in the body and is needed for the development of nerves and
neurotransmitters in the brain.
If your baby does not get enough iron they are at risk of iron
deficiency, or anaemia. This can make them lethargic, pale and
breathless and is linked with developmental delays and behavioural
problems.
Why are babies and toddlers at risk of iron
deficiency?
Because they are growing so fast, children need more iron in their
first few years than at any other time of their life. But nearly 90
per cent of children between one and three get less iron than is
recommended1. Fussy eaters can be particularly
vulnerable.
How much iron do babies and toddlers need per
day2?
- 0-3 months: 1.7mg
- 4-6 months: 4.3mg
- 7-12 months: 7.8mg
- 1-3 years: 6.9mg
Once you are weaning your baby, the recommended daily intake of
iron can be achieved by following a balanced and varied diet that
includes plenty of iron-rich foods.
Where does iron come from?
There are two types of dietary iron. Iron found in animal sources
is known as haem iron and is easily absorbed by the body. Good
sources include:
- Red meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb
- Poultry, particularly the darker meat
- Eggs
- Oily fish, such as tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout and
kippers.
Iron that is present in non-animal sources is known as non-haem
iron. Good sources include:
- Fortified breakfast cereals and baby foods
- Pulses and lentils, including baked beans for example
- Most dark green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, watercress,
sprouts and cabbage
- Dried fruit such as raisins, dried apricots and dried
figs.
Non-haem iron is less easily absorbed than haem iron. Giving
your baby foods that are high in vitamin C at the same time will
help them absorb it. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus
fruits, tomatoes, peppers, kiwi fruit, blackcurrants, strawberries
and mango.
Iron and milk
Breast milk is the best milk for your baby in the first six months.
The iron in breast milk is more easily absorbed than in infant
formula. However, beyond six months it is especially important to
give your baby an iron-rich diet.
Infant and follow-on formula are enriched with iron. This is
from a non-haem source, so formula also contains vitamin C to help
with iron absorption.
Follow-on formula has higher iron levels to meet your baby's
growing needs.
Cows' milk does not contain enough iron for babies and is not
suitable as a drink before 12 months.
1 Gregory J, Collins DL, Davies P et al.
National Diet and Nutrition Survey: Children aged 1.5 - 4.5
years. Vol 1. Report of the diet and nutrition survey, HMSO,
London, UK, 1995.
2 Department of Health. Dietary Reference Values for
Food, Energy and Nutrients for the United Kingdom. Report of the
Panel on Dietary reference Values of the Committee on Medical
Aspects of Food Policy. TSO.