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How to ensure your toddler is getting enough iron in their diet
How to ensure your toddler is getting enough iron in their diet
Eating their greens
The top sources of iron for your toddler
Iron is an essential mineral in toddlers’ diets. Here’s how to make sure your little one is eating a varied, balanced diet to get the iron they need.
The importance of iron
Toddler’s iron requirements are relatively high compared to those of fully-grown adults. In fact, toddlers aged one to three years need around four-and-a-half times more iron than an adult man every day relative to their size. Because toddlers’ iron requirements are high, they need to eat foods containing iron on a regular basis
There are two types of dietary iron – ‘haem’ and ‘non-haem’. Haem iron is found in meat and fish, and it is well-absorbed by the body. Non-haem iron, which is less well-absorbed, is found in green leafy vegetables, beans, pulses and grains.
Some sources of iron include:
Haem iron: |
Non-haem iron: |
---|---|
Fish |
Green leafy vegetables |
Chicken |
Fortified breakfast cereals |
Lean Beef |
Dhal/cooked lentils |
Lean Pork |
Eggs |
Liver |
Dried apricots |
Chickpea hummus |
|
Bread |
|
Porridge |
|
Tofu |
|
Banana |
|
Potato |
Ideas for toddler meals and snacks containing iron
So that your toddler gets enough iron every day, encourage them to eat two portions of meat-based protein, or, if they don’t eat meat, three portions of iron-containing vegetable proteins. Meat-based meal and snack ideas that contain iron
Fruit snacks containing iron could include bananas, dried fruit such as figs, apricots, prunes and sultanas with sliced pineapple or tangerine segments. And even the humble digestive biscuit, served topped with some sliced strawberries or mango, can be a source of iron – lovely.
A balanced diet for growing toddlers with Aptamil Growing Up Milk
Aptamil Growing Up Milks are tailored to your toddler’s stage of development.
Aptamil Growing Up Milk 1-2 years contains a unique blend of ingredients nutritionally tailored for your toddler, including iron for normal cognitive development as part of a varied, balanced diet. It comes in a range of formats from powder to ready-to-drink Growing Up Milk, including a resealable one-litre pack and a handy 200ml carton for when you are out and about.
Aptamil
Source: The Huffington Post UK