Insufficient iron in the body makes the red blood cells small and pale ,leading to iron deficiency disease called anemia .According to medical experts,a baby may experience cognitive and behavioral issues if she/he has low iron in their body.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency in babies?
- Less physically active and slow growth.
- Pale skin
- Slow weight gain
- No appetite
- Irritability
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual cravings for non-nutritive things like dirt,starch etc
- Behavioral problems
- Weak immune system
How much iron do babies and children need ?
How can iron deficiency be prevented ?
Up until 4-6 months of age,a full term healthy baby gets the necessary iron from the breastmilk or iron-fortified infant formulas. After 6 months of age,baby must derive iron from the solid food and or as advised by the doctor ,must take the prescribed iron supplement .Needless to say,,it is very important to feed a baby with iron rich foods .
Between 1-5 years of age,babies and kids must not take milk more than 24 oz in a day or it may lead to iron deficiency.
It is recommended by medical experts to pair the iron rich food with a Vitamin C enriched food for the apt and maximum absorption of iron in the body.
What are foods rich in iron ?
Two types of dietary iron are there :
- Heme iron - A type of iron that comes from animal proteins - meat,fish,seafoods etc that is mostly and easily absorbed by the body.
- Nonheme iron - A type of iron that comes from plants like vegetables,fruits,nuts,seeds,grains,beans etc and eggs and dairy.
What are foods rich in Vitamin C to increase iron absorption in the human body or for here ,let's say,baby?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants be tested for iron deficiency anemia starting between ages 9 months and 12 months and, for those who have risk factors for iron deficiency, again at later ages. ~ Mayoclinic.org
Recently,my baby had screening for iron level.She was doing well there by God's grace .However,I didn't know much about the importance of iron for a baby and only knew a few foods rich in iron .So, to enhance my knowledge regarding the same,I gathered all these information to guide me always.So,that I can prepare more nutritious food for my munchkin aptly enriched with iron that will keep her fit and hit by God''s grace .
AMEN!
DISCLAIMER:This article/blogpost is for informational purpose only and are not intended to offer any personal medical advice. Please seek and follow the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions/concerns you may have regarding a medical condition .
Recently,my baby had screening for iron level.She was doing well there by God's grace .However,I didn't know much about the importance of iron for a baby and only knew a few foods rich in iron .So, to enhance my knowledge regarding the same,I gathered all these information to guide me always.So,that I can prepare more nutritious food for my munchkin aptly enriched with iron that will keep her fit and hit by God''s grace .
AMEN!
DISCLAIMER:This article/blogpost is for informational purpose only and are not intended to offer any personal medical advice. Please seek and follow the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions/concerns you may have regarding a medical condition .
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