Feeding Problems: Anaemia in young children

The problem

When anaemia develops in young children, the usual cause is a lack of dietary iron. This mineral nourishes the body's red blood cells so they can create haemoglobin, which helps carry oxygen throughout the body. Babies are born with a store of iron that's good for six months. Feeding your baby breast milk or iron-fortified formula helps replenish stores. Anaemia can develop when solids are introduced at around 6 months of age and babies start to drink less formula or breast milk.

What you can do
Signs of anaemia are often subtle. Your child may look pale, his fingernails may lack colour, and he may lack energy — or he may show no symptoms at all. Your paediatrician will check for anaemia during regular checkups, and between 9 and 11 months may test haemoglobin levels by taking a blood sample. If anaemia is confirmed, you can build up iron stores by giving your child iron-rich foods such as red meats, fortified cereals, and beans. It's also important to serve foods rich in vitamin C, such as orange juice, because they help to enhance iron absorption. Iron supplements are usually recommended only as a last resort because regular use of them can cause stomach upset.