Iron requirement in Kids as per Their Age

Iron helps in the transfer of oxygen. It attaches to haemoglobin, a particular protein that aids the transport of red blood cells from the lungs to other bodily parts. There are 2 kinds of iron found naturally in foods: heme and nonheme iron. The word “heme” comes from a Greek word that means “blood” in a broad sense. Protein, found in foods such as chicken, fish, and cattle, has heme iron. Non Heme iron is found in plants such as beans, green vegetables, and nuts. Iron is an essential vitamin, especially for growing children. It enables the body to manufacture haemoglobin, which transports oxygenated blood via red blood cells. Read to explore the iron requirement in babies and children as per their age.

Iron Requirements of Babies Between 0 and 4 Months 

For 4 months, healthy newborns have enough iron. Breastfed term infants need 1 mg/kg per day of iron as a supplement until adequate iron-containing foods are introduced in the diet.

Partially breastfed term babies get human milk for more than 50% of their feedings and do not receive an iron-fortified diet. These newborns require 1 mg/kg of oral iron per day as a fluid supplement until iron-containing meals are offered at 4 months of age. Due to the iron content of most baby formulae, most formula-fed term newborns do not require iron supplements for the first 12 months.

Iron Requirements of Babies Between 6 and 12 Months 

Iron insufficiency is the most common nutritional deficit and it is especially frequent among newborns and toddlers. Iron deficiency and anaemia in babies can have long-term impacts on neurodevelopment and behaviour, with some of these effects being permanent.

Iron deficiency anaemia increases lead absorption, according to studies; hence, preventing iron deficiency anaemia may help lower the risk of lead poisoning. The RDA for iron for infants aged 6 to 12 months is 11 mg per day.

Iron Requirement for Preterm and Formula-Fed Babies Between 1 and 12 months 

Preterm infants (as opposed to full-term newborns) are born during the third trimester. As a result, preterm babies miss out on the quick iron absorption. The iron requirement for premature newborns may only be estimated between 2 and 4 mg/kg per day.

From 1 month to 12 months of age or until the newborn is either weaned to an iron-fortified formula or begins consuming foods that give 2 mg/kg per day of iron, breastfed preterm babies must receive a supplement of iron of 2 mg/kg per day.

Most formula-fed preterm newborns acquire around 2 mg/kg of iron per day from a regular baby formula and do not require iron supplements.

Iron Requirements for Toddlers and Children Between the Ages of 2 and 13

A child’s iron requirements increase to 7 mg per day as they grow into toddlers and between the ages of 1 and 3. Then from the ages of 4 to 8, boys and girls should consume 10 mg of iron each day through their food. Between the ages of 9 and 13, children require 8 mg of iron in their diet per day.

Iron Requirements for Adolescents Aged Between 14 and 18

Boys’ RDA for iron is 11 mg between the ages of 14 and 18. This aids in the support of growth spurts, which are frequent at this age. Teenage girls require 15 mg of iron per day – this is because they must not only stimulate development but also make up for the loss of iron due to menstruation.

Here are Some Iron-Rich Meals to Try

Listed below are some of the best food sources of iron:

1. Beef, lamb, hog, veal, liver, chicken, and turkey are the meats available.
2. Shellfish such as crab, shrimp, and scallops are not recommended for babies under one.
3. Egg whites should not be given to newborns under one.
4. Iron-fortified grains, whole wheat bread, fortified bread, spaghetti, and rice are some grains and cereals containing iron.
5. Legumes like chickpeas, lentils, dried peas, and beans also contain iron.
6. Spinach, cabbage, broccoli, green peas, and Brussel sprouts (vegetables) are sources of iron as well.

Combine these meals with vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, tomatoes, and red peppers to boost the immune system and absorb even more iron. Serve an iron-fortified morning cereal with orange or any other juice, for example. Alternatively, serve pasta with meat and tomatoes on top.

Tips for Preventing Iron Deficits in Children

1. Reduce the consumption of milk. According to studies, consuming too much cow’s or goat’s milk reduces the absorption of nutrients such as iron. Children between the ages of one and five should consume no more than 24 ounces of milk each day.

2. Vitamin C-rich foods should be included. Ascorbic acid, which may be found in vitamin C-rich foods, can help the child’s body absorb and utilise iron more effectively. Citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables should all be included in the child’s daily diet. 

3. Iron deficiency is more common in certain children than in others. Iron reserves are present at birth but preterm newborns have less time in the womb to accumulate it, putting them at greater danger. Picky eaters and children who consume an essential vegetarian diet may not acquire enough iron. Low iron levels in children may be caused by disorders like Crohn’s disease. Teenage females who have high menstrual flows may require more iron.

Conclusion

Consult a doctor if you are concerned about the child’s iron levels. They’ll take a blood sample from the youngster to determine the daily iron requirement in his or her red blood cells. At 12 months of age, the American Academy of Paediatrics advises that all newborns be evaluated for iron insufficiency. A doctor may recommend an iron supplement if the kid requires additional iron. Iron requirements vary in kids as per their specific needs. It is best to stay informed.