Iron is an important mineral that is essential for many basic biological processes in the human body. It helps form hemoglobin, a blood cell protein that helps transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, and it supports muscle metabolism and connective tissue health. According to the National Institutes of Health, iron is also a “critical component involved in physical growth, neurological development, cellular functioning, and synthesis of some hormones.”
Iron is essential at every age, from infancy through adulthood, but adequate iron is especially critical for children.
Why Kids Need Iron
Iron is critical at all stages of a child’s growth and development. Iron demand is especially high during early childhood, because it is needed to support brain development, build blood and muscles, create a strong immune system, supply energy, promote growth, and support a child’s overall ability to grow, pay attention, and learn.
Unfortunately, iron deficiency is a common problem for many children, with consequences that can range from mild to serious.
Iron Deficiency Symptoms
An iron deficiency can stunt or harm a child’s overall growth and development. Low levels of iron can sometimes lead to iron deficiency anemia, which means that the body is not able to produce enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia can impair a child’s ability to function well. Common symptoms might include:
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Weakness
- Poor appetite and other gastrointestinal disturbances
- Shortness of breath during exercise
- Irritability and behavior problems
- Slowed growth and development
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irregular, rapid breathing
- Frequent infections and increased susceptibility to illnesses
Iron deficiency during a child’s early years of development can have long-term consequences for cognitive and neurological health and the development of a healthy immune system.
Risk Factors for Iron Deficiency
Full-term infants are usually born with enough iron for the first four to six months of their lives, at which point they start to need iron from external sources. However, preterm babies, babies with a low birth weight, or babies born to mothers with an iron deficiency are more at risk for an iron deficiency because of the rapid growth they experience after birth.
All infants risk becoming iron deficient starting between six and nine months of age, until or unless they add solid foods rich in iron, or formula fortified with iron, to their diet. Infants who drink cow’s milk or goat’s milk before the age of one are more at risk of an iron deficiency.
And children between the ages of one and five who consume more than 24 ounces of cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or soy milk a day are also at a higher risk for iron deficiency.
Other risk factors for iron deficiency in children include children who:
- Have certain health conditions (including Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or frequent/severe nosebleeds)
- Experience chronic infections
- Have been exposed to lead
- Do not eat enough foods with iron
- Have certain restrictive diets (such as a vegetarian diet)
- Are overweight or obese
Wherever possible, the best place to start with iron intake for children is through their diet. The best natural sources of iron include lean meats, fish and seafood, legumes (like chickpeas, kidney beans, and soybeans), and dark leafy greens (like kale and spinach). Some breakfast foods and cereals are fortified with iron, too.
But for children who struggle to get adequate iron through diet alone, iron supplements for kids can help make sure they do not become iron deficient. To support your child’s growth through every life stage, start with one of the iron supplements for kids below.
Iron Supplements for Kids
Chapter One Iron Gummies
Iron Gummies from Chapter One offer essential iron supplementation for children through an easy-to-take gummy format. The formula features a specialized combination of ferric saccharate, a highly absorbable form of iron that supports red blood cell health and optimal iron levels, combined with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to promote iron absorption and utilization.
Megafood Iron Energy Gummy
Iron Energy Gummy from Megafood provides delicious, 3-in-1 energy support that’s safe for the whole family: adults, teens, and kids over four. These gummies combine iron, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 to promote red blood cell and cellular energy production. These vegan gummies are strawberry flavored and formulated to be gentle on the stomach.
Amazing Grass Kidz Superfood
Kidz Superfood from Amazing Grass is a delicious, nutritional powerhouse: this chocolate-flavored superfood shake is created from fresh farm greens, prebiotics and probiotics, and over 30 fruits and vegetables. One glass of a Kidz Superfood shake also provides kids with 11% of their daily value of iron.
To find more high-quality iron supplements for kids, browse our selection of vitamins and minerals from Natural Healthy Concepts.
To learn more about iron supplements, read our blog articles about the top 9 best iron supplements to take during pregnancy and why people use iron-free multivitamin supplements.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
