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One in three toddlers suffering from low iron levels

March 2009

Research shows that up to a third of Australian and New Zealand toddlers have low iron levels (1,2) which if left untreated may lead to iron deficiency anaemia and impaired development. This alarming figure highlights the need for parents to include more iron-rich foods in their toddler’s diet to ensure adequate levels for healthy growth and development.

Leading researcher Dr Anne-Louise Heath from the University of Otago, New Zealand said, “A substantial number of toddlers are affected by low iron levels. This is concerning because it can lead to severe iron deficiency anaemia which is associated with impaired development because of iron’s role in muscle and brain function. ”

Toddlers are at risk of iron deficiency because they have high iron requirements for growth, yet many are not consuming enough iron-rich foods to maintain healthy levels. Even relatively severe levels of iron deficiency in toddlers may go undiagnosed as the symptoms are difficult to distinguish from normal toddler behaviour e.g. irritability and tiredness.

Dr Heath commented, “There is very little research looking into toddler nutrition and iron levels, which is unfortunate as toddlers are perhaps the fussiest age group when it comes to consuming food. But parents need not despair; the best way to maintain healthy iron levels is by eating iron-rich foods.” 

In Australia the largest dietary contributor of well-absorbed iron is red meat. This is why the current National Health and Medical Research Council’s Dietary Guidelines recommend consuming lean red meat 3-4 times a week to meet iron needs.

“Parents may struggle with the erratic eating behaviours of toddlers but perseverance is worthwhile as healthy dietary habits will stay with them for life,” advised Dr Heath. The following hints and tips should make including iron-rich foods in their diets easier:

• Continue to offer iron-rich foods even if they are initially refused, it can take up to ten introductions before new foods are accepted

• Parental role modelling of healthy eating behaviours plays an important part in toddler development. Provide structured meal times with other family members and remove distractions such as the TV

• Toddlers can be sensitive to the texture of food, experiment with cuts and cooking times to ensure meat is moist and tender