Iron is an essential mineral for the growth and development of children and adults. Iron occurs naturally in some foods and is also available in over-the-counter supplements. Iron is also required to produce hormones. If you’re concerned that your child may not be getting enough minerals, we’ll discuss the best iron supplements for kids and where we can get enough iron for their age.
How much Iron does your child need?
- From birth to 6 months: 0.27 mg
- 7 to 12 months: 11 mg
- 1 to 3 years: 7 mg
- 4 to 8 years: 10 mg
- 9 to 13 years: 8 mg
- Adolescent boys ages 14 to 18: About 11 mg of iron per day.
- Adolescent girls ages 14 to 18: About 15 mg per day.
Foods that are rich in Iron
- Red meat
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Pork
- Fish
- Dark leafy greens
- Legumes
- Plum
- Fortified grains like oatmeal.
- Baby cereals that are fortified with Iron.
Best Iron Supplements for children
Adult iron supplements contain too much iron to safely provide to your child, and some products provide up to 100mg of iron in a single dose. Here are some types of iron supplements formulated specifically for young children.
Syrup
You can safely measure and give your child a scoop of iron supplements in syrup form. Some iron supplement syrups are flavored to make them easier for children to drink. Keep in mind that it also contains several other vitamins and minerals that your child may not need, so if you are just looking for an iron supplement, it may not be the best choice.
Drops(liquid)
Liquid supplements work well because the body can absorb them easily and your child doesn’t have to swallow pills. Remember that iron supplements can stain your child’s teeth, so be sure to brush your teeth after taking any liquid iron supplements. A bottle of iron drop supplements usually comes with a dropper with markings on the tube to indicate the dosage level, which makes it easy to spray the liquid directly into the child’s mouth.
Powder
Powdered iron supplements can be mixed with your child’s favorite soft foods, such as oatmeal, applesauce, or yogurt, making it a great option for picky eaters. It’s packaged in the correct dosage for your child and contains an average of 4 mg of iron per packet.
Gummies
While it is completely safe to give vitamin gummies to children, parents should take extra care and keep them out of the reach of children at all times. Kids love fruit gummies because they taste like candy. Although you may need to take extra precautions and keep them out of your child’s reach, your kids will love the taste and will eat them without a hitch.
Chewable tablets
If you don’t want to measure liquids and syrups, chewable supplements are your best option. These vitamins are usually relatively low in iron compared to other ingredients. They’re sweet, easy to eat and often contain multiple vitamins in the same tablet. It is also important to remember to lock the bottle out of the reach of children.