Diagnosis

Anemia in Toddlers & Kids (Iron Deficiency): What Parents Should Know

Iron helps your child make healthy red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the body. When iron is low, kids may feel tired, look pale, or have less energy.

Common Causes

Not enough iron in the diet (picky eating)
Too much cow’s milk (>16-20 ounces a day is the max)
Rapid growth spurts (toddlers + teens)
Low iron stores (prematurity/low birth weight)
Blood loss (heavy periods in teens, GI issues—less common)
Genetic causes (ex: thalassemia trait—different treatment)

Signs Parents Might Notice

• Pale skin or gums

• Low energy / tired more than usual

• Irritability

• Poor appetite

• Feeling cold often

• Headaches/dizziness (older kids)

• Craving ice or non-food items (pica)

Best Iron-Rich Foods

Best absorbed (heme iron):

• Beef, turkey, chicken (dark meat)

Great plant-based options (non-heme iron):

• Fortified cereal/oatmeal

• Beans, lentils, chickpeas/hummus

• Spinach/greens

• Eggs

• Nut butters

• Pumpkin seeds

Pro tip: Pair iron with Vitamin C (oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell pepper) to absorb better!

What to Avoid (Around Iron)

• Cow’s milk/dairy close to iron doses

• Calcium supplements at the same time
  Tip: separate iron and dairy by 1–2 hours if possible.

Iron Supplements: Options We Often Use

NovaFerrum (liquid iron):

• Tastes better for many kids

• Gentler for some stomachs

• Great for toddlers

Ferrous sulfate (classic iron):

• Very effective and commonly recommended

• Can cause constipation or upset stomach in some kids

Lucky Iron Fish:

• Adds small amounts of iron into foods/liquids

• Helpful for prevention or mild low iron

• Usually not strong enough alone for significant anemia

Safety Reminder

Iron supplements should be stored up high and locked away. Too much iron can be dangerous.

Easy Kid Food Ideas:

Beef

mini meatballs, taco meat

Turkey

turkey sliders, turkey roll-ups

Chicken (dark meat)

shredded chicken bowls

Fortified cereal/oatmeal

cereal + strawberries

Beans/lentils

bean & cheese quesadilla (add salsa!)

Chickpeas/hummus

hummus + bell peppers

Spinach

mix into pasta sauce

Eggs

scrambled eggs + fruit

Nut butter

PB toast + orange slices

Pumpkin seeds

sprinkle on yogurt (not at same time as iron supplement)

Best Vitamin C “Boosters” (helps iron absorb!)

• Strawberries

• Oranges / citrus

• Kiwi

• Pineapple

• Bell peppers

• Tomatoes