Dietary Iron

While it is clear that meat based iron sources provide iron that is more easily absorbed by the body, plant iron is accompanied by numerous vitamins and minerals not found in meats. It is advisable to provide a well-rounded diet rich in vitamins and minerals for your child. Between the ages of 5 and the teen years, most children who eat a healthy diet and are otherwise healthy do not develop iron deficiencies. However, menstruating teen girls and teens of both sexes require increased iron intake in order to thrive during puberty. Iron deficiency and iron deficient anemia are especially common in teen girls, and supplementing dietary iron is recommended for those with low iron levels. Even with a well-rounded diet, some children are still iron deficient. Your child’s pediatrician should be kept abreast of any developments in your child’s condition, including the presentation of symptoms indicative of an iron deficiency. These may include:

• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Decreased intellectual performance
• Pale skin around the lips, inside walls of the mouth and gums

If iron deficiency affects your child, your pediatrician will most likely prescribe an iron supplement with dosing of up to 45 mg per day. Iron supplementation is a very effective means of correcting an iron deficiency in children. Supplementation with traditional iron tablets or liquids may cause side effects or taste unpleasant. In a study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 86.7% of the doctors reported that unpleasant taste is a major cause of non-compliance. However, a powdered iron supplement such as FeraMAX^® Pd Powder 15 provides a better tasting option than traditional liquid iron. If you are concerned about your child’s iron levels use our symptoms tracker and speak to your doctor about a powdered iron supplement such as FeraMAX^® Pd Powder 15 to seed if it is appropriate for your child.