The Importance Of Iron In A Baby’s Diet In Relation To Its Development

Iron in a baby’s diet is very important, primarily because it can prevent diseases such as anemia, which is one of the most common problems in the growth phase.

This mineral can not be lacking in a baby’s diet, especially when it is between 0 to 12 months old.

According to the US Department of Medicine, it is advisable for children aged 6 months to 1 year to receive 11 mg of iron every day. For children between 12 and 36 months old, 7 mg daily is recommended.

To begin adding iron to a baby’s diet, some foods work better than others:

Irony foods

From the moment a baby starts supplemental feeding, their diet should be very rich in iron. Therefore, it is important to add foods that contain this mineral to their diet.

Here are some recommendations:

• It is recommended to avoid low- fat milk, such as cow’s milk, goat’s milk or soy milk.
• It is advisable to reduce the consumption of foods containing iron absorption inhibitors or anti-nutrients such as fiber, calcium, oxalates, phytates and phosphates.
• It is important to introduce foods such as meat and fish in the form of puree from the age of 6 months.
• The baby should consume foods that contain vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption.
• The daily intake of milk should be 500 ml per day.
• It is good for the baby to eat vegetable purees, such as peas, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and beets.

Iron is a mineral that is rich in beef, poultry and fish.

Consequences of iron deficiency in a baby’s diet

Lack of iron in a baby’s diet can have many consequences, with anemia being the most common. However, in addition to this disease, the child may suffer from other health problems, such as:

• Lantent iron deficiency: Lack of iron deposits in the body
• Iron deficiency anemia: May cause haematopoiesis
• Ferropenia: Lack of plasma or circulating iron levels
• Damage to the central nervous system during the development of the cognitive and psychomotor system
• Also affects memory and learning functions

      Each red blood cell contains iron in its hemoglobin, which is pigmented, transporting oxygen to the tissues of the lungs.

How to guarantee iron intake

Incorporation of iron into a baby’s diet, to avoid iron deficiency, should begin at the 4th or 6th month of the baby’s life by introducing foods that are rich in this mineral and that favor its absorption.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends ensuring the consumption of iron in a child’s diet through fortified foods, supplements and diversification.

The absorption of iron is more effective when ingested with ascorbic acid or citric acid.

Vitamin C, found in oranges and other fruits, improves the absorption of this mineral in a baby’s diet. Some experts say that certain infusions and cow’s milk can inhibit the absorption of iron.

Breast milk is an excellent way to provide this mineral to your baby. After breastfeeding, a continuation formula can help provide the extra iron your baby needs.

Remember that an enriched continuation formula can help supplement a balanced diet.

Do not forget to consume iron during pregnancy

Intake of iron during pregnancy is also necessary. Your body needs this mineral to keep the immune system healthy and for additional reasons described below:

• The amount of blood circulating in your body increases during pregnancy, so you need iron to produce more hemoglobin.
• You need iron to nourish the growth of the placenta.
• is related to premature birth and low birth weight.

We need to be very mindful that our babies are getting the right amount of iron for growth and development.

Food is very important and the lack of any basic mineral can cause health problems.

In case you have problems with your baby’s diet and nutrition, it is important that you consult your pediatrician.