Iron deficiency anaemia is common in children under five and happens when the body lacks iron. Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin in red blood cells. Haemoglobin carries oxygen throughout the body, and without enough iron, the body cannot produce enough of it to keep you healthy.

Causes of iron deficiency anaemia

Iron-deficiency Anaemia in toddlers has two major causes: dietary and medical. A diet that lacks iron-rich foods is an obvious issue. Giving your child too much cow's milk, grain-based food, or tea (which contains phytate and tannins) can disrupt their natural iron absorption. Your child could also have an underlying medical condition, such as coeliac disease, that causes this problem.

Symptoms of iron deficiency in toddlers

A toddler who is iron-deficient will be tired, pale, and irritable. They may experience a decreased appetite and, troublingly, developmental delays.

How to prevent iron deficiency in toddlers

If you’ve already had your child checked for an underlying condition that could be disrupting their iron absorption, you should either have been prescribed a special diet for them or can safely rule any condition out.

Promoting a healthy, balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods such as lean meats, fish, beans, tofu, and iron-fortified cereals and breads is an excellent next step. Encouraging vitamin C-rich foods such as potatoes, citrus fruits, strawberries, and tomatoes can also help the body absorb iron more effectively. Allium spices such as garlic and onions in the meals can also help with iron absorption.

You should also limit their cow's milk intake to no more than 350-400 mL (12–13 ounces) per day, which can also help prevent iron deficiency. Tea should be avoided in this age group to prevent this from affecting iron absorption.

Treating a child with iron deficiency

Any treatment will depend on the severity of the condition. Your doctor may recommend iron supplements and changes to the diet to increase their intake. It's important to follow the recommended dosage of iron supplements, as too much iron can be toxic. Treatment may also include addressing any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the anaemia.

Tips for parents

Here are some tips for parents to help prevent iron-deficiency anaemia in toddlers:

Give them a healthy, balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods. Vitamin C will support their iron absorption from food. Allium spices such as garlic and onion may also help.
Limit cow's milk intake to no more than 350–400 ml (12–13 ounces) per day.
Don’t give your toddler tea. The tannins can interfere with iron absorption.
Ask your doctor before starting your child on any supplements.

What do I need to know about iron-deficiency anaemia in toddlers?

From Unii’s Toddler Nutrition Journey, here’s how to keep your child from becoming so iron-deficient that they’re anaemic.