Services and Programs

Pediatric Nutrition

Iron

Everyone - especially infants and children - need iron. Iron is a mineral that carries oxygen in the blood, and is particularly important for children because of their rapid growth. A child who is not getting enough iron can develop iron deficiency anemia. Children with iron deficiency anemia tire easily, look pale, and have a poor appetite.

• Keep your child on breast milk or iron-fortified formula until age 1.
  
• Give your child iron-fortified infant cereals up to age 18 months.
  
• Include a variety of foods in your child's diet, including a high protein food (meat, chicken, eggs, dried beans) at lunch and dinner.
  
• Provide high vitamin C foods - fruits and vegetables - in your child's diet daily. Foods and juices with high vitamin C help iron to be absorbed. Some foods that are high in vitamin C include:
  • Oranges
  • Strawberries
  • Grapefruit
  • Tomatoes
  • Cantaloupe
  • Green peppers
  • Broccoli
  • Greens (collard, mustard)
  • 100% fortified fruit juice
    
• Provide foods rich in iron. The best sources include:
  • Organ meats
  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Poultry
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Dried peas or beans
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Enriched breads
  • Iron-fortified cereals
  • Dried fruits
  • Peanut butter

     

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