Risk of Iron Deficiency in Children

Your child may be at risk for iron deficiency. Your doctor may recommend testing for iron deficiency.

Your child should be getting iron in their diet every day. Meat and iron-fortified cereals are the best source, but iron can also be found in dried beans, whole grains, eggs (especially egg yolks), dried fruits, and dark leafy vegetables. Giving meat and dark leafy vegetables can increase the absorption of iron, as can giving foods with vitamin C. Do not let your child drink more than 16 to 24 ounces of cow's milk each day.

If your child is on a vegetarian diet, talk to your doctor about whether giving a daily multivitamin with iron makes sense.