THE ROLE OF IRON IN BABY'S DEVELOPMENT

What is iron?

Iron is an essential dietary component for your baby's physical and mental development. It is critical in the transmission of oxygen (via Hemoglobin) to the body's cells.

The dangers of iron deficiency

A chronic lack of iron can cause serious health issues including iron deficiency anemia. One in ten babies born in the United States has iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms include weakness and tiredness, and long term health hazards include diminished mental, motor, and behavioral development.

Why are infants and toddlers at increased risk?

Switching from breast feeding or formula to cow's milk can greatly decrease the amount of iron in baby's diet. The following are other possible causes of a diet deficient in iron:

• Use of adult type cereals that are not iron-fortified
• Baby's decreased appetite for solid foods that contain iron (meats, some vegetables) with increased consumption of cow's milk and/or juice

How you can help

Make sure your toddler eats enough iron-rich foods on a daily basis. Good iron sources include beans, whole grains, spinach, dried fruits, red meat, and liver.

PLUS...

Give your baby almost half its daily intake of iron with YoBaby Plus Fruit & Cereal with Iron.