Low iron levels in toddler

[iluvsummer]

Hello! My just turned 2 year old dd has just been diagnosed with low iron levels and will have to have iron supplements and repeat bloods in 6 weeks. Just wondering if anyone has experienced this with their lo and what the outcome was as I have all sorts of worst case scenarios running through my head at the moment

Do they drink a lot of milk? Often toddlers that drink lots of milkbhave low iron because they fill up on it and don't eat enough proper food, don't know if that's the case but thought I'd mention it. Most common reason is dietary, so try to get as many iron rich foods as you can in, most cereals are fortified with iron of they're fussy with other foods!

My DD recently had this but it was only slightly low. I think it's an incredibly common full blood count finding for young kids. The highest iron multivit in the shops I could find is made by WellKid.

Dried apricots made without sulphites (we buy crazy jack brand ones) help with the absorption of iron as does orange juice.

If the iron levels are moderately low then I imagine you get prescribed proper iron supplement?

Yes she’s a milk monster so will have to cut down on that for definite! She has quite a varied diet fruit veg etc etc and she’s got a good appetite! They’re going to prescribe an iron liquid supplement for her, 5 ml a day! Thank you for your replies, they’re reassuring x

Calcium and iron compete in the body which is why toddlers that drink a lot of milk often become iron deficient. I would cut back on milk and give the supplements with apple or orange juice or something with vitamin C to improve absorption.

I give my DC's apple juice with dinner to help absorb iron from their meal after DS had problems with low iron.