Iron Deficiency & Behavior Problems: Is There a Link?

If you have a newborn, you want to make sure you do everything to keep your baby healthy. This includes providing the best nutrition possible. One area of concern for mothers is iron. While most newborns have enough iron in their system to last them about four months, this reserve supply (from the mother's blood supply in the womb) will eventually run low. At this point, it is critical that your child gets the correct level of iron to prevent health problems.

The question of why do babies need iron is an excellent one. All humans need iron to make hemoglobin, which takes oxygen through the blood to the important organs in the body. The same thing is true for babies, and it is especially true for their developing brains. Without enough iron, a small child can become anemic and this could potentially result in behavioral problems.


The Signs of Low Iron Intake


If your newborn or young child is not getting enough iron, he or she might begin to show some symptoms. Some of these are quite subtle, while others are more visible. It is a good idea to look for these iron deficiency in toddlers signs:


     A pale skin appearance

     Slow weight gain

     Poor appetite

     A cranky or fussy attitude

     A short attention span

     A tired demeanor


As a child begins to attend school and engage in more activities, the lack of iron can affect school performance and other activities. As a parent, this can cause you anxiety and concern. The period of between seven months to one year is often a critical time. Babies at this point need about 11mg of iron daily. After this, the iron needs of children actually go down to between 7mg to 10 mg a day.

It is important to note that once a person is about 14 years old, they again require about 11 mg of iron a day. Women tend to have a greater need for iron throughout their lives than men have.


The Solutions for Iron Deficiency


Fortunately, there are many good options to increase iron intake in your babies and toddlers. The first choice is for the other to breastfeed the baby, as breast milk is a good source of iron, but this benefit tends to taper off once the baby is 6 months old. At this point, an iron-fortified formula can be used.


Proper nutrition is also important. Under the right conditions, an iron supplement can be a beneficial measure to take, especially if your child has an iron deficiency. Wellements iron drops can make sure your young one gets the right amount of iron in his or her system. These organic drops are easy to use for toddlers and infants and they come with a pleasant taste. They have the right amount of supplemental iron for young, growing bodies and minds. Always check with your pediatrician to make sure a supplement is right for your child.


If you have concerns about your child's nutrition, now is the time to learn more about iron deficiencies. A supplement could be the best solution for your child's health and well-being.

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