Vegetarian child getting enough iron?

[Katnissx]

Hello,

Just wondering if people think this sounds like enough iron for a 4yo, most days he has porridge for breakfast, one or two slices of wholemeal bread, and we usually have lentils with dinner.
I'm not sure if I should also be supplementing iron but have struggled to find gummy (vegetarian) multivitamins with iron included.

Thanks

What about dark green vegetables - broccoli etc? I would say they are a really important source of iron. Also, eggs are a good source too.

I don't think supplementing iron is recommended for children without medical supervision. My DC are 10 and 13 now and have always been vegetarian. We include plenty of green veg (peas, spinach, broccoli mostly), dried fruit (apricots, raisins, malt loaf), nuts and pulses (hummus and peanut butter are popular, but also beans, lentils etc.) and eggs. My DD doesn't like breakfast cereal, but most have added iron so can be reassuring to include them. Remember, iron absorbs best alongside vitamin C, so fruit/juice with meals rather than milk. You would know if your child had low iron. They would be pale and tired at very least. The diet you describe sounds quite limited. For a vegetarian diet to be healthy variety is key – a variety of different protein sources in particular is essential – eggs, dairy, pulses, nuts...

Thank you for the replies. Yes lol obviously I wasn't going to list everything we eat, was just trying to think of the main things I thought he gets iron from. We do offer broccoli and other greens but he won't eat them. He does eat a good amount of raw veg (carrots, peppers, tomatoes, cucumber mostly), but I don't think they have much iron in. He does have lots of dairy and eggs etc.
Thanks I hasn't thought about the vitamin C element, I will make sure to get some satsumas in ☺️ that's reassuring to know it's probably not something I need to supplement then.

@Katnissx , I grew up entirely veggie. At very much like you've described for your DC. Had quite a few blood tests over my childhood, and was never anaemic/iron deficient. So I'd also say that supplements aren't always needed (though obviously that doesn't mean they never are!).

*ate very much like you've described for your DC

Try Floradix tonic (check with doctor first)

@PeaBrainPete thank you, that's really helpful and reassuring.

@changednamesorry thanks, I haven't heard of that but will look into it 👍