The good news is that iron deficiency is easily preventable by making sure your toddler is eating iron-rich foods.

Research by the University of Otago showed that healthy toddlers who replaced cows' milk with iron-fortified milk or increased their consumption of red meat were able to prevent the decline of iron stores. This study also found that those consuming iron-fortified toddler milk increased iron stores by an average of 44%.¹ Nurture was the toddler milk used in this study.

Sources of Iron

Many foods contain iron, but the best sources of iron are from foods that contain haem iron which is easily absorbed by the body. Non-haem iron is found in green leafy vegetables, fortified infant cereals and wholemeal bread and while these foods are important part of a balanced diet, the iron in these foods is less easily absorbed by the body.

This is why foods which contain haem iron are a better source of iron for toddlers.

Did you know?

Drinking a lot of cows' milk can actually put a child at risk of developing iron deficiency. Toddlers who drink only cows' milk may fill up on this and may not have enough room for iron-rich foods.

Iron is an essential part of a child's diet and is essential for optimal learning ability, growth & development. Heinz Nurture Toddler® Milk drinks have been specially developed to provide the goodness of cows' milk with added iron, zinc and iodine to meet the needs of active toddlers. Nurture iron-fortified toddler milk is available in two variants - Heinz Nurture Toddler® and Heinz Nurture Toddler Gold® and is suitable from 12 months.

Q&A

How do I know if my toddler is getting enough iron?

• Toddlers with low iron may have low energy levels and/or lowered resistance to infection. They can find it difficult to concentrate & learn and, particularly in young children, low iron can result in a poor appetite.⁴

Should I be giving my new-born iron supplements?

• Most babies are born with very good iron stores. For the first six months most babies get all the iron they need from their iron stores, combined with breast milk or infant formula.

At what age does my child need more iron?

• At around 6 months, the iron stores your baby was born with begin to run out. This means your child will need extra iron from food to support his/her rapid growth & development.

How can I ensure my child gets enough iron?

• Recommended daily intakes for iron are:
• 0 to 6 months: Breastfed Adequate Intake(AI): =0.2mg per day
• Infants 7-12 months: 11mg per day
• Children 1 -3 years: 9mg per day.⁵
• Iron needs are very high in the six to nine month period and this is when solid foods are gradually introduced. It is important that these early foods are good sources of iron that is easily absorbed.

What should I do if I suspect my child has aneamia?

• Take him/her to a doctor.

References:

1. Szymlek-Gay EA, Ferguson EL, Heath AM, Gray AR & Gibson RS. Food-based strategies improve iron stores in toddlers: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr, 2009; 90:1541-51.
2. Grant CC, Wall CR, Brunt D, Crengle S, Scragg R. Population prevalence & risk factors for iron deficiency in Auckland, New Zealand. J Paed Child Health 2007; 43:532-8.
3. Soh P, Ferguson EL, McKenzie JE, Homs MYV, Gibson RS. Iron deficiency and risk factors for lower iron stores in 6-24 month old New Zealanders. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2004 58:71-79.
4. Aggett, P. J., Agostoni, C., Axelsson, I., Bresson, J.-L., Goulet, O., Hernell, O., et al. (2002). Iron Metabolism and Requirements in Early Childhood: Do We Know Enough?: A Commentary by the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 34(4), 337-345.
5. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) publication of Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand Including Recommended Dietary Intakes (2006)