Anemia (iron deficiency) has become a common problem in children these days. But no worries, since, given here is the list of iron rich foods for toddlers which you can incorporate in his/her diet directly or via recipes. Keep reading.
Iron is one of the most important minerals in the human body mainly responsible for the passage of oxygen to all parts and carbon dioxide back to lungs for purification. Hemoglobin is the carrier of iron and thus loss of blood through injuries or low red blood cell count leads to deficiency of this vital mineral.
However, the best part is, a good healthy diet incorporating high iron foods can help overcome this deficiency easily. Also, children in their growing stages require iron to keep them fit and strong.
Underweight or premature babies are at a higher risk of suffering from iron deficiency anemia. One might get confused, what are iron rich foods for babies, since the options are terribly low in their case. However, an anemic baby gets the required amounts of iron from the breast milk itself. Just born babies or less than 4 months old can be fed with mother's milk or by iron fortified baby formulas.
Later, after 6 months, they can be fed with iron fortified baby cereals, are available in the market as Instant Oatmeal, Ready-to-eat Cereals, and Grits. Although, you have to make sure that they respond positively to such foods. When making cereals, make sure you make a very soft paste, comfortable for them to swallow.
Gradually, as the age of your baby increases, it would be easier for you to feed him/her with the above fortified baby foods and foods rich in iron mentioned ahead. Iron intake not more than 7.8mg per day is considered optimum for babies.
When it comes to toddlers, the iron enriched food options increase. Below is the list of foods rich in iron which should be a part of their regular diet to help prevent anemic condition which causes headaches, weakness and mainly fatigue.
Liver
Lean red meats, beef, pork and lamb
Seafoods like oysters, clams, tuna, salmon, shrimp, sardines, mackerel, trout and kippers
Beans including kidney, lima, navy, black, pinto, soy beans, and lentils
Breads
Rice
Green vegetables including collards, kale, mustard green, spinach and turnip
Tofu
Iron rich vegetables like broccoli, swiss chard, asparagus, parsley, watercress, Brussels sprouts
Chicken
Turkey
Pumpkin and Squash seed kernels
Prune juice
Tomato puree
Blackstrap molasses
Watercress
Egg yolk
Fruits like strawberries, bananas, blueberries and raspberries
Flaxseed
Wheat germ
Legumes
Cornmeal
Dried fruits like raisins, dates, nuts and apricots
Although the list is quite evident with varied options, many of the above iron rich foods for children are not liked by them. To substitute these, there are many fortified formulas available in the market which incorporate iron in them, by processing. Different pastas and breads fortified with iron are a good and a safe option to opt for in this case.
So you have given up since your child is too resistant in eating the above iron rich foods, then a better way is to make a recipe which will be healthy and would do the needful as well. Check out the recipe given here.
Procedure: Bake mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus and spinach in an oven preheated to 350 degrees°F in a baking tray. Meanwhile, mix all the other ingredients in a bowl and pour them over the baked vegetables. Sprinkle cheese on top and again bake for 45 minutes. Your iron rich recipe is ready to serve!
Iron consumption is of utmost importance. I hope the list of iron rich foods will help maintain good iron levels in children. However do consult a dietitian or doctor before giving these to your baby.