Toddler iron intake

The importance of iron for your toddler

Iron is an important nutrient that is involved in many functions within the body, including brain development. A steady supply of iron is necessary for normal cognitive development, which sets the stage for a lifetime of learning. Iron is also involved in the production of haemoglobin – a protein in blood that carries much-needed oxygen around the body for energy and growth.

During toddlerhood, your child’s brain and body are developing rapidly, which is why toddlers have relatively high iron requirements compared to adults.

Toddlers’ high need for iron means they’re more vulnerable to iron deficiency if they don’t consume iron-rich foods regularly. In fact, over 50% of toddlers don’t get enough of this brain-building nutrient¹.

If your toddler’s iron levels get too low, it can leave them tired and lacking in energy. In a small number of cases, low iron levels can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.

How to include enough iron in your toddler’s diet²

The iron in foods such as fish and red meat is more easily absorbed than iron from plant sources, such as wholemeal bread, lentils, beans, and dark green, leafy vegetables.

To help your toddler get enough iron each day, encourage them to eat two portions of animal-based protein or 3 portions of non-dairy vegetarian proteins.

Vitamin C helps the body to absorb iron and is found in citrus fruits, e.g. oranges, kiwi fruit, and many vegetables, such as peppers, broccoli and spinach. Giving your toddler fruit as a dessert is a good way to increase absorption of iron from their savoury meal.

Good sources of iron

The following foods are good sources of iron to include in your toddler’s daily diet:

Haem-iron (the most easily absorbed):

• Half a chicken breast – (approximately 60g) contains 0.3mg
• Dark chicken meat – 60g contains 0.5mg
• Hard-boiled egg – 1 whole egg contains 1mg
• Thinly sliced roast beef or lamb – 1 slice (28g) contains 0.8mg
• Sardines – 50g portion contains 1.4mg

Non-haem iron:

• Spinach – 1 tablespoon cooked spinach contains 0.3mg of iron
• Broccoli – 1 floret (20g) contains 0.2mg
• Baked beans – 1 tablespoon contains 0.3mg
• Wholemeal bread – 1 medium slice contains 0.6mg
• Lentils – 1 tablespoon contains 0.7mg
• Dried apricots – 1 dried apricot contains 0.3mg
• Fortified breakfast cereals – 1 bowl (30g) contains 2.3mg
• Aptamil Toddler milk 1-2yrs – 300ml contains 3.6mg

Aptamil Toddler milk: An iron-rich daily drink

To help your toddler get the iron they need, we’ve created Aptamil Toddler milk 1-2yrs. Just 300ml will provide your toddler with more than half of their daily requirement, plus vitamins A, C and D. It also contains our unique blend of Galacto- and Fructo-oligosaccharides (GOS/FOS).

Last reviewed: 27th August 2014