Why is iron so important for toddlers?
Iron is essential for maintaining enough oxygen-carrying red blood cells. These red blood cells are necessary to fuel brain growth.

What is iron deficiency anemia?
If a child does not get enough iron for a prolonged time, he can develop iron deficiency anemia, a condition that limits the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. This can interfere with brain development, affecting a child's motor skills and ability to learn.

Studies show that iron deficiency is common among toddlers. In fact, the incidence of iron deficiency peaks during the second year of life.

What causes iron deficiency?
Often toddlers don't eat foods that are very rich in iron. They can also be at risk if they didn't get enough iron during the first year of life, because their bodies won't have large iron reserves.

Children fed cow's milk are at particular risk for developing iron deficiency anemia. Cow's milk contains very little iron, and certain ingredients in cow's milk may actually reduce iron absorption.

What are the signs of iron deficiency?
Children who are iron deficient may

• Have a decreased appetite.
  
  
• Be irritable, fussy, and inattentive.
  
  
• Be slower to reach development milestones.
  
  
• Eat unusual things such as ice, dirt, clay, and cornstarch (behavior known as pica).

Children who have anemia may

• Have a mild paleness to their skin.
  
  
• Be irritable, mildly weak, and tire easily.
  
  
• Have shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and swollen hands and feet.

If your child shows these symptoms, or if you suspect she is not getting enough iron, consult your health care professional. A simple blood test can diagnose iron deficiency and anemia. If your child has iron deficiency anemia, she will be given iron-containing medication.

What happens when a child has iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency early in childhood can slow physical and mental development. Many studies have shown that anemic children score lower on mental and motor skills tests.

One study showed that children who had moderate iron deficiency anemia during the first 2 years of life still had lower scores on tests of mental and motor function at 5 years of age.

Since iron deficiency can have long-term effects that may be irreversible, it's important to try to prevent it and to seek help immediately if you suspect a problem.

Researchers have recommended the use of specially formulated iron-fortified milks to ensure adequate iron intake. For instance, PROGRESS* GOLD is formulated so that a serving provides 36% of the daily-recommended intake of iron for children age 1 to 3 years. These formulas have been shown to prevent and treat iron deficiency and anemia.

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