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KEY POINTS
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Iron is a mineral that is important to all cells in your child's body. Blood cells need iron to bring oxygen to the cells. Your child can get iron deficiency anemia if your child doesn’t get enough iron. Children who have iron deficiency anemia are often tired and don’t have much energy.
Iron deficiency anemia may result from:
How much iron your child needs depends on age and whether your child is male or female:
GROUP MILLIGRAMS (mg) IRON PER DAY ------------------------------------------------------ Children 7 to 12 months old 11 mg Children 1 to 3 years old 7 mg Children 4 to 8 years old 10 mg Children 9 to 13 years old 8 mg Females 14 to 18 years old 15 mg Males 14 to 18 years old 11 mg Males over 18 years old 8 mg Females 19 to 50 years old 18 mg ------------------------------------------------------
Iron is found in many kinds of foods. The best way to get enough iron is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. There are 2 types of iron:
It’s harder for the body to absorb iron from plants than from meat, poultry, and fish. Your child should eat foods that contain vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, broccoli, and tomatoes, when eating plant foods that have iron. Eating these foods together helps the body to absorb the iron better. Eating heme iron at the same time as nonheme iron also helps the body absorb the iron better. This is very important if:
Some foods, supplements, and medicines can make it harder for your child’s body to absorb iron. It is best to eat iron at a different time than when your child has:
If your child gets enough iron in his or her food, taking a supplement may be harmful. Too much iron can poison a child.
If your child has anemia, your healthcare provider may suggest an iron supplement. Iron pills can have side effects such as cramps, nausea, and constipation. Taking the iron at mealtimes can help prevent stomach upset. To help prevent constipation, make sure your child drinks enough liquids and has enough fiber in the diet.
If you are thinking of giving your child a supplement that contains iron, ask your healthcare provider for advice about it first.