Mum Mum’s recently reported that, according to new research, low birth weight babies may benefit from being given an iron supplement at birth to avoid a future deficiency. It turns out this is not the only place iron supplementation is making headlines as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued new iron intake guidelines for babies and toddlers.
Just last week the AAP released a report highlighting infant and children’s iron needs and included procedures for following up on iron deficiency anemia
. Iron deficiency in babies and toddlers has improved over the past several decades but as the AAP notes it is still one of the most common problems for kids.
Iron deficiency often goes undetected, which can result in long-term health implications such as decreased attention span and learning difficulties. Children currently have their hemoglobin checked between 9 and 12 months of age, then again between 15 and 18 months. The AAP notes, however, that the test is fallible and often misses iron deficiency anemia. Even those diagnosed with anemia do not always get follow-up testing and/or treatment.
The aim of the new guidelines is to both increase iron intake in babies and children and improve current screening methods. The clinical report, “Diagnosis and Prevention of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Infants and Young Children (0-3 Years of Age)”, is published in the November issue of Pediatrics and also details how to prevent iron deficiency through diet.
Currently there is no single test that accurately assesses a child’s iron status, so the AAP is proposing a combination of screenings along with adequate follow up. Offering iron supplements to all children would reduce deficiency, but that type of program is not universally supported throughout the medical community.
AAP recommends varying amounts of iron based on a child’s age:
- Full term, healthy infants have enough iron for the first 4 months of life. Starting at 4 months, breastfed babies should be supplemented 1mg of iron per kg of body weight (mg/kg) until iron-rich complementary foods are introduced.
- Formula fed infants receive ample iron from formula and should not be given cow’s milk before 12 months of age.
- Babies ages 6-12 months need 11mg/kg per day, which can come from iron rich foods such as red meat and high iron vegetables like dark leafy greens. Supplements may be added if diet is insufficient in iron.
- Toddlers ages 1-3 years require 7mg/kg of iron daily which is best obtained through diet although liquid supplements may also be used.
- Preterm infants should have at least 2mg/kg of iron daily for 12 months which can be found in infant formula. Breastfed preterm babies will need 2mg/kg of iron supplemented by 1 month of age until either weaned to formula or old enough to consume iron rich foods.
If you are concerned about your child’s iron status or have any questions regarding the new guidelines, please contact your health care provider.
Tags: iron, iron deficiency anemia
