How much iron supplement for child

Iron (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

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What Is Iron?

Iron is a mineral found in plants and animals and all living things. It's an important component of hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body. Iron gives hemoglobin the strength to "carry" (bind to) oxygen in the blood, so oxygen gets to where it needs to go.

Without enough iron, the body can't make hemoglobin and makes fewer red blood cells. This means tissues and organs won't get the oxygen they need.

People can get iron by eating foods like meat and dark green leafy vegetables. Iron is also added to some foods, such as infant formula and cereals.

How Much Iron Do Kids Need?

Depending on their age, kids need different amounts of iron:

Infants who breastfeed tend to get enough iron from their mothers until 4–6 months of age. Around this time, iron-rich foods like fortified cereal and puréed meats are usually introduced. Breastfed babies who don't get enough iron should be given iron drops prescribed by their doctor. Babies given iron-fortified formula do not need added iron.
Infants ages 7–12 months need 11 milligrams of iron a day.
Toddlers ages 1–3 years need 7 milligrams of iron each day. Kids ages 4–8 years need 10 milligrams while older kids ages 9–13 years need 8 milligrams.
Teen boys should get 11 milligrams of iron a day and teen girls should get 15 milligrams. (Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and teen girls need additional iron to replace what they lose monthly when they begin menstruating.)
Young athletes who regularly engage in intense exercise tend to lose more iron and may need extra iron in their diets. People following a vegetarian diet might also need added iron.

What's Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency is when a person's body doesn't have enough iron. It can be a problem for some kids, particularly toddlers and teens (especially girls who have very heavy periods). In fact, many teenage girls are at risk for iron deficiency — even if they have normal periods — if their diets don't contain enough iron to offset the loss of blood during menstruation.

After 12 months of age, toddlers are at risk for iron deficiency when they no longer drink iron-fortified formula — and, they may not be eating enough iron-containing foods to make up the difference.

Iron deficiency can affect growth and may lead to learning and behavioral problems. If iron deficiency isn't corrected, it can lead to iron-deficiency anemia (a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body).

How Can I Help My Child Get Enough Iron?

Kids and teens should know that iron is an important part of a healthy diet. Foods rich in iron include:

beef, pork, poultry, and seafood
tofu
dried beans and peas
dried fruits
leafy dark green vegetables
iron-fortified breakfast cereals and breads

(Note: Iron from animal sources is more easily absorbed by the body than iron from plant sources. )

To help make sure kids get enough iron:

Limit the amount of milk toddlers drink to about 16–24 fluid ounces (473–710 milliliters) a day.
Serve iron-fortified infant cereal until kids are 18–24 months old.
Serve iron-rich foods alongside foods containing vitamin C (such as tomatoes, broccoli, oranges, and strawberries). Vitamin C improves the way the body absorbs iron.
Avoid serving coffee or tea at mealtime — both contain tannins that reduce the way the body absorbs iron.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

Date reviewed: January 2021

Iron Supplements for Kids: Safe Types

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1. Liquid drops

Liquid supplements work well because the body can absorb them easily and your child won’t have to swallow a pill.

The bottle typically comes with a dropper with markings on the tube to indicate the dosage level, which makes it easy to squirt the liquid straight into your child’s mouth.

Keep in mind that iron supplements can stain your child’s teeth, so be sure to brush their teeth after giving any liquid iron supplement.

Try a liquid supplement like NovaFerrum Pediatric Liquid Iron Supplement Drops. It’s free of sugar and naturally flavored with raspberry and grape.

2. Syrups

You can safely measure out and give your child a spoonful of their iron supplement with syrup.

Pediakid Iron + Vitamin B Complex, for example, is flavored with banana concentrate to make it taste better for your child and 1 teaspoon (5 mL) contains about 7 mg of iron.

However, it also contains several other ingredients your child may not need, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for just an iron supplement.

3. Chews

If you don’t want to deal with measuring out liquids and syrups, a chewable supplement is the way to go.

They’re sweet, easy to eat, and typically contain many vitamins in the same tablet.

The Maxi Health Chewable Kiddievite is specially formulated for children and comes in a kid-friendly bubblegum flavor.

Note, however, that these vitamins typically have a relatively low dose of iron compared to their other ingredients.

It’s also important to remember to keep the bottle locked away and out of the reach of your children.

4. Gummies

Kids love fruity gummies because of their taste and resemblance to candy.

While it’s perfectly safe to give your kid a vitamin gummy, parents should be extra cautious to keep them out of the reach of children at all times.

The Vitamin Friends Iron Multivitamin gummies are vegetarian (gelatin-free) and don’t contain any artificial flavors or colors. They are also free of eggs, dairy, nuts, and gluten.

Though you might have to take extra precautions to keep these out of the reach of your children, your kids will love the taste and will take them without any fuss.

5. Powder

A powder iron supplement can be mixed with your kid’s favorite soft foods, such as oatmeal, applesauce, or yogurt, making it a great option for picky eaters.

The Rainbow Light NutriStart Multivitamin Powder is free of artificial dyes, sweeteners, gluten, and other common allergens.

It comes in packets measured to the correct dosage for your child, and each packet contains 4 mg of iron.

Iron supplements can cause digestive issues like upset stomach, stool changes, and constipation (9).

Although they are absorbed better if they’re taken on an empty stomach before a meal, taking it after a meal may be beneficial if your child experiences any negative side effects.

Excessive iron intake can lead to serious health problems, so never give your child iron supplements without first consulting a doctor.

According to the National Institutes of Health, accidental ingestion of iron supplements caused almost one-third of accidental poisoning deaths in children in the United States between 1983 and 1991 (7).

Signs of an iron overdose may include (10):

severe vomiting
diarrhea
pale or bluish skin and fingernails
weakness

An iron overdose is a medical emergency, so it’s important to contact poison control immediately if you think your child has overdosed on iron.

You can call the National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere within the United States.

When using an iron supplement, there are several precautions you should take to keep your child safe.

First, consult your pediatrician before deciding to give your child any type of supplement.

Be sure to use supplements only as directed and call your pediatrician to address any concerns.

You should also make sure all supplements are out of the reach of children so they don’t mistake them for candy.

Try keeping supplements on the highest shelf, preferably in a locked cupboard, and make sure it’s clearly labeled and stored in a container with a child-resistant lid.

In order to maximize absorption, avoid giving your child an iron supplement with milk or caffeinated beverages (7, 11).

Pairing iron with foods rich in vitamin C, like orange juice or strawberries, can also help increase absorption (7).

Finally, keep in mind that it can take several months for iron levels to return to normal. Therefore, it’s important to use supplements for however long your doctor recommends.

There are many types of iron supplements available for kids, including:

liquid drops
syrups
chews
gummies
powders

It’s also important to start introducing iron-rich foods into your child’s diet as soon as possible.

Foods like fortified breakfast cereals, lean meats, and fruits and vegetables are great sources of iron, along with a variety of other essential vitamins and minerals.

Norm of iron in children. An excess of iron in a child | Baby food with iron

Published: 12/29/2022

Reading time: 3 min.

Number of reads: 29406

Author of the article: Ponomareva Yulia Vladimirovna

Pediatrician, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Allergist-Immunologist

Early age is one of the most vulnerable periods in a person's life. What factors affect the health of the baby? This question worries many parents. Of course, this is heredity and normal pregnancy of the mother, favorable living conditions, love and care of relatives. In addition, a balanced diet is an important factor in the normal growth and development of the child. The intake of nutrients in sufficient quantity and ratio not only ensures the harmonious physical and mental development of the child, but also strengthens the still immature immune system of the baby, protecting it from the adverse effects of environmental factors. That is why it is so important that the daily nutrition of the child includes all the necessary components. nine0003

Content: Hide

Balanced diet
Minerals within us
Recommended daily intake of iron for children of all ages (mg)
The role of iron in the body
Iron deficiency
Blood tests
Prevention is easier than cure
Infant iron intake
Proper complementary foods

Balanced diet

The main nutrients are proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It is these nutrients that saturate the human body with energy and substances necessary for the growth and normal functioning of all organs and systems. However, these substances alone are not enough to ensure human health. Small in quantity, but no less valuable component of a healthy diet are micronutrients. These are biologically active substances that do not carry nutritional power, but are involved in the work of every cell of the body. Among them, it is worth highlighting a large group of minerals - metal ions, which come from the external environment with food and water and, having unique properties, play an important role in the coordinated work of the body. nine0003

Minerals within us

Metal ions are a structural part of internal cell organelles and participants in biochemical processes in the body. Regular intake of these minerals helps to maintain normal human life. Can we say that one mineral is more important than another? No, since each of them performs its own function, and even a short-term lack of certain minerals in the body can quickly lead to health problems. This is especially true if minerals are poorly absorbed from food or their low content in food is noted. At the same time, both deficiency and excess of any of the minerals can lead to serious problems, so there are special tables of consumption rates that regulate the content of nutrients in the body. nine0003

Read also: Why do children need trace elements?

Recommended daily intake of iron for children of all ages (mg)*:

	Age	Daily iron requirement (mg)
Infants	0–3 months	nine0002 4
	4-6 months	7
	7-12 months	10
Children 1 to 11 years old	1–3	10
	3-7	nine0002 10
	7-11	12

The role of iron in the body

A newborn child has the highest iron content in tissues per kilogram of body weight - 75 mg/kg, since the mother during pregnancy saturates the fetus with this mineral from her own reserves. For intensive processes of growth and development, the child needs a high content of this element. Most of it is found in red blood cells - erythrocytes. Iron is an important part of the hemoglobin protein, because it is this mineral that provides the connection with oxygen. The red boats of our blood deliver oxygen to tissues, providing tissue respiration. In addition, iron is part of more than 50% of all energy metabolism enzymes, as well as liver enzymes that neutralize harmful substances from food. Iron is a key component of the muscle protein myoglobin, which provides physical activity and strength. This mineral is even part of the brain structures that produce dopamine, which is responsible for the feeling of happiness and joy. The importance of sufficient iron content in the body is also confirmed by the fact that evolutionary mechanisms have arisen that allow iron to be stored in case of its insufficient intake with food. The main reserves of this mineral are concentrated in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. nine0003

Iron deficiency

Despite the existence of a depot of iron in the body, its deficiency is a common problem in both children and adults. The main reason for the deficiency is an imbalance between consumption and consumption, associated with an insufficient amount of iron in the diet against the background of increased consumption, for example, in the case of intensive growth of a healthy baby. Childhood is a period of active development, so the need for this mineral in children is 5 times higher than in adults. With insufficient intake of iron from food, the supply from the depot first occurs, and if the deficiency persists for a long time, there is a disruption in the functioning of internal organs, tissues with a high oxygen demand are especially affected. Often the symptoms of iron deficiency in young children are non-specific, preventing early detection of the condition. As a rule, signs of iron deficiency are deterioration of the skin and hair, poor appetite, fatigue and impaired muscle tone. Chronic lack of iron in the blood in children leads to systemic disorders in the work of all organs and is an indication for treatment. nine0003

Control blood counts

There is not only one indicator of iron in the blood of children, which can be used to tell the amount of this trace element in the body. Dispensary observation in the first year of life without fail includes a study of a general blood test with the determination of hemoglobin content. A decrease in the level of this indicator is often a manifestation of a serious iron deficiency in the body. In a child older than 1 month in the first year of life, the hemoglobin content should not be lower than 110 g / l. With the development of iron deficiency anemia, the shape and size of red blood cells also change. Long before the clinical manifestations of anemia and a decrease in hemoglobin content, some signs of iron depletion in the body, the so-called latent deficiency, can be detected. Laboratory tests such as measuring the level of ferritin (an indicator of the body's iron stores), serum iron levels and checking the total iron-binding ability help to identify a trace element deficiency. If the supply of iron is reduced or absent at all, the first two indicators will be reduced, and the last one will be increased. nine0003

Prevention is easier than cure

Iron is found in many foods, both plant and animal. There is a common misconception that apples and pomegranates are the richest in this trace element, but in fact, the leaders in iron content per 100 grams of product are seaweed, buckwheat and oatmeal, garden greens, legumes, nuts and dried fruits. However, the importance of individual products is determined not only by the absolute content of this mineral, but also by the degree of its assimilation. Thus, the body easily absorbs (by 20–30%) heme iron contained in meat and offal of animals and birds. The leaders among the foods that increase the content of iron are the liver and tongue of animals, beef and veal, as well as egg yolk. Absorption from plant products is much less, for example, only 5–10% of the total content is absorbed from cereals, fruits and vegetables on average. Fructose and vitamin C improve iron absorption, and adding meat to grains also increases iron absorption from plant foods. Unfortunately, cooking destroys about 13% of the iron. In the presence of iron deficiency, the body compensatory increases its absorption from foods in order to prevent the development of the disease. nine0003

Intake of iron in the baby's body

During the first 4 months, the baby absorbs iron from mother's milk. Breast milk is a unique product, because, in addition to the maximum compliance of the composition of the product with the needs of the child, it contains a large amount of biologically active compounds in an easily digestible form. Thus, iron is absorbed by 50% of the total. In other products based on milk of animal origin, this trace element, on the contrary, is not enough. Healthy children have the necessary supply of iron up to 4 months of life, but with an increase in the body weight of the child, the need for iron also increases: the intake rate for a newborn is 1. 5 mg / kg, by 4-5 months - 7 mg / kg of life, and by 7 -12 months increases to 10 mg / kg per day. Therefore, despite the high nutritional and biological value of breast milk, it is no longer enough to meet the growing needs of the body in a baby older than 4 months. Consuming about 1 liter of mother's milk per day, the child receives only 5% of the iron he needs. How to raise the level of iron in a baby? Even with an optimal diet, the mother should consider introducing complementary foods to meet her iron needs with other foods. nine0003

Proper complementary foods

By the age of 4-5 months, the baby's gastrointestinal tract is ready for the introduction of food other than breast milk, but is not yet strong enough for iron-rich meat. Cereal complementary foods are the preferred choice for expanding the diet of infants, as the high energy density of porridge, as well as a wide range of nutrients and biologically active substances, helps to offset rising costs. It is especially important to choose grain complementary foods for children at risk of iron deficiency for the timely prevention of this disease. In this age period, dry porridge is the only possible complementary food product that can provide the growing need of the baby's body for the necessary micronutrients, including compensating for the growing iron deficiency. Milk porridge "Buckwheat" in the Bebi Premium line of products for the first complementary foods is recommended for children over 4 months old. In its composition, this specialized product contains a unique vitamin and mineral premix, which includes exactly those nutrients, the deficiency of which is widespread and dangerous for the health of children. Another distinctive feature of children's cereals of the Bebi Premium line is the balanced composition, when some components increase the digestibility and biological activity of others. Thus, in Buckwheat milk porridge, iron compounds work in tandem with ascorbic acid, ensuring more efficient absorption of the mineral and guaranteed supply of this essential element. One serving of Buckwheat porridge with milk replenishes 43% of the required level of iron in a baby of the first six months of life and 30% of the recommended daily requirement in a child older than 7 months. Scientific developments in the field of healthy nutrition are combined with the capabilities of high-tech production in Bebi Premium baby food products so that every baby has the opportunity to get the best! nine0003

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Anemia in a child. Prevention and treatment

In modern conditions, it is quite difficult to find high-quality products that contain in their composition all the substances necessary for a growing organism. In addition to this, most pregnant and lactating mothers do not eat properly, whole cow's milk is introduced too early into the baby's diet. All this leads to the fact that the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia is made in almost every pregnant woman and many children at an early age. How to solve this problem? After all, drugs for anemia can cause various stool disorders, allergic reactions, and so on, and the disease itself negatively affects the well-being and development of the child. nine0003

Prevention of iron deficiency anemia

Since the problem of iron deficiency in the body is more of a nutritional problem, the main measure for the prevention of pathology is to ensure a balanced diet (regardless of the age of the person). Adults need 1-2 mg of iron per day, children from 0.5 to 1.2. It should be noted that only a part of the iron consumed with food is absorbed in the intestine - approximately 10-15%.

The main source of iron from food is animal products. The most valuable in this regard are beef and lamb. In fish, chicken and cottage cheese, the iron content is much less. It is important not only the amount of the substance in the product, but also its bioavailability (that is, absorption). Unlike animal products, plant foods have a lower level of iron absorption. Certain factors are necessary for good absorption. So, for example, vitamin C improves the absorption of iron, and tinic acid (found in tea) or phytates significantly reduce the degree of absorption of the trace element. nine0003

Consider the main recommendations for the prevention of iron deficiency published by the American Academy of Pediatrics:

1. A healthy full-term baby has an adequate supply of iron in the first 4 months of life, and there is no need to take iron-containing drugs. The breastfed child then needs supplemental iron until complementary foods are introduced. The dosage of the drug at this age should be 1 mg per 1 kg of weight per day. nine0003

2. If a healthy full-term baby is on a mixed type of feeding (mother's milk is about 50%), he needs an additional intake of iron at a dosage of 1 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day. Duration of admission - before the introduction of complementary foods.

3. With artificial feeding, it is recommended to give the child a mixture enriched with iron. In this case, the need for additional medication is not required. At the same time, whole cow's milk is not recommended for children under the age of one year! nine0003

4. Children from 6 months to a year need to consume about 11 mg of iron per day. To ensure the normal functioning of the body, red meat and vegetables containing a large amount of iron should be introduced into early complementary foods. With insufficient consumption of such products, the child is prescribed iron-containing drops or syrups.

5. From a year to 3 years, the daily norm of iron is 7 mg. At the same time, it is recommended to get it from those foods that contain both iron and vitamin C. nine0003

6. Children born prematurely must receive at least 2 mg of iron per 1 kg of body weight per day until the onset of 12 months.

Note that the content of meat in the diet is only the prevention of anemia, if the child has already been diagnosed with a pathology, it can only be dealt with with iron preparations! However, if anemia has not been detected at the moment, then drinking iron as a prophylaxis is not advisable.

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia

The most important task in the treatment of anemia is to eliminate the cause of its occurrence (diet, detection and elimination of sources of blood loss, etc. ), as well as the fight against iron deficiency in the body.

The main provisions of the treatment of the disease include:

1. The use of medicinal iron-containing preparations. Other ways to restore the normal level of the trace element have not yet been invented. Do not mistakenly believe that only one diet will be able to raise the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Iron reserves must be replenished purposefully. nine0003

2. Taking oral medications. Treatment with intramuscular or intravenous injections is recommended only if there are contraindications to taking oral medications or if they have proven ineffective.

3. Preliminary calculation of the dosage of the drug in accordance with the body weight of the child and the chosen tactics for the treatment of anemia.

4. Calculation of the duration of iron intake depending on the severity of the disease. Mild degree - 3 months, medium - 4.5, severe - six months. In the course of treatment, a general clinical blood test is monitored. nine0003

5. Replenishment of microelement reserves in the so-called "iron depot".

6. Regular monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment by taking blood tests.

In our country, the tactics of treating anemia are determined by the Protocol for the management of patients diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, which was published in 2004. There are also relevant WHO recommendations based on the principles of evidence-based medicine.

At present, there are only two preparations of iron: nine0003

1. Based on saline solutions. The drug is toxic, often causing side effects. However, there are cases when only he helps.

2. Based on a polymaltose hydroxide complex. Most useful in the treatment of anemia.

Modern studies show that drugs of the first and second groups have the same degree of effectiveness. In pediatrics, the children's dosage of the second type is 5 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day (regardless of the age of the child).