Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)


Iron

At a glance

Iron is needed at all stages of your child’s growth and development. It supports brain development and immune function. How much iron babies need varies based on how they are fed. Learn how to make sure your child is getting enough.

Iron's role

Iron is a mineral with many functions. It helps in the production of muscle cells and red blood cells carry oxygen through the body. It supports brain development and immune function. Overall, iron supports a child's ability to grow, pay attention, and learn.

Having enough iron can help prevent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.

Consequences of not getting enough iron

Children who do not receive enough iron either from iron-rich foods or supplements can develop anemia. Anemia is when the body does not have enough red blood cells or their ability to carry oxygen is lowered.

Anemia has many causes. In young children, one common cause is not enough iron. If children continue to get inadequate amounts of iron, this can lead to iron deficiency anemia. Infants and children with iron deficiency anemia may develop learning difficulties.

When and how much iron children need

All children need iron. It is important at all stages of your child's development. Babies fed only breast milk, only formula, or a mix of breast milk and formula have different iron needs.

Breast milk

Ask your child's doctor or nurse if your child needs iron supplements before 6 months old. Your doctor or nurse may advise using iron supplement drops. Once your child starts to eat foods around 6 months, it is important to give foods with enough iron to meet nutritional needs.

Formula

Your child's iron needs can be met by standard infant formulas for the first 12 months of life.

Choose a formula fortified with iron. Most commercial infant formulas sold in the United States contain iron. Standard infant formulas fortified with iron (12mg/L) will meet your growing child's needs.

Once your child starts to eat foods, introduce them to foods that contain iron.

Mix of breast milk and formula

If your child receives a mix of breast milk and formula, talk to their doctor or nurse about their iron needs at their next checkup. Once your child starts to eat foods, it is important to give foods with iron to meet nutritional needs.

Did you know?

Preterm babies may need extra iron beyond what they get from breast milk or infant formula. Talk to your child's doctor or nurse about your child's iron needs at his or her next checkup.

Iron in solid foods

When your child is about 6 months old, you can start giving them solid foods to your child. Make sure to choose foods that contain iron. Iron found in foods comes in two forms: heme and non-heme iron.

Heme iron

Heme iron is commonly found in animal products. The body absorbs it more easily than non-heme iron.

Foods with heme iron

• Red meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, goat, or venison.
• Seafood and fatty fish.
• Poultry, such as chicken or turkey.
• Eggs.

Non-heme iron

Non-heme iron is in plants and iron-fortified products. This type of iron is less easily absorbed by the body. Getting your baby enough iron from non-heme iron sources alone will require careful planning.

Foods with non-heme iron

• Iron-fortified infant cereals.
• Tofu.
• Beans and lentils.
• Dark green leafy vegetables.

Pairing non-heme iron sources with foods high in vitamin C can help your baby absorb needed iron to support development. Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables include:

• Citrus fruits such as oranges.
• Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage.
• Berries.
• Papaya.
• Tomatoes.
• Sweet potatoes.

Did you know?

Your child needs to be screened for anemia.

At around 12 months, your child's doctor or nurse will likely test to see if your baby has anemia. Anemia can occur among children who do not get enough iron. Talk to your child's doctor or nurse about anemia and iron at your baby's next checkup.

Making sure your child is getting enough iron is important. Some children may need more iron than others. Talk to your child's doctor or nurse about iron at your child's next checkup.