It’s important to consult with your child’s pediatrician to make sure that your child is getting enough iron in their diet.
Iron is an essential part of hemoglobin, the protein on red blood cells that carries oxygen to your organs and tissues. It’s also involved in many other functions, such as growth and development and the health of muscles, skin, and hair.
When you don’t get enough iron, you can develop iron deficiency anemia (IDA). In IDA, you cannot make enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body.
There are many potential causes of IDA. One important cause of IDA in babies and toddlers is drinking too much cow’s milk.
In the first few months of life, most infants receive enough iron. Important sources of iron during this time include stored iron acquired through the placenta and the iron that’s present in the milk you choose for your baby, such as breast milk. Standard infant formulas can also
After the first months of life, babies need more iron through their diet as they grow and develop. But while cow’s milk is a
A child’s digestive system also doesn’t absorb iron from cow’s milk very well. A 2023 review notes that only 10% of the iron in cow’s milk gets absorbed, compared to 50% of the iron in breast milk. Further, components found in cow’s milk, such as calcium and casein, can prevent the digestive tract from absorbing iron.
A 2022 review also notes that many people may assume that milk contains more nutrients than it actually does. This may lead to increased consumption of milk and a lower intake of iron-rich foods.
Further, an intolerance to cow’s milk can also irritate the lining of the intestines. This can lead to blood loss in the digestive tract, which can further lower iron levels.
According to the American Society of Hematology, children who drink more than 16 to 24 ounces (2 to 3 cups) of cow’s milk per day are at a higher risk of IDA.
The bottom line
Cow’s milk doesn’t provide enough iron to meet a growing child’s needs and can also interfere with the absorption of iron. It may also irritate the digestive tract, leading to additional iron loss through blood loss.
The best way to prevent IDA in babies and toddlers is to ensure that they’re getting enough iron. There are several ways to approach this, as every child has different needs when it comes to iron intake.
According to the
The CDC notes that for children receiving formula food, iron needs can typically be met for the first 12 months of life with an iron-fortified formula.
Around 6 months of age, parents may introduce solid foods into a child’s diet. During this time, you can help ensure your child gets enough iron by including good sources of iron in their diet. Some examples
- cereals or grains that are fortified with iron
- dark leafy green vegetables
- chickpeas and lentils
- meats, poultry, and fish
Foods high in vitamin C can also help with the absorption of iron. Some foods to focus on would be things like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and broccoli.
Overall, each child’s iron needs are different. For example, preterm babies are at a
Because of this, it’s important to speak with your child’s pediatrician to get recommendations on how to meet your child’s specific iron needs.
The potential symptoms of IDA in babies and toddlers may
- pallor (skin that’s lighter than their typical complexion)
- excessive tiredness or lack of energy
- irritability
- dizziness
- shortness of breath
- quick heartbeat
It’s possible for a child to have IDA and have no obvious symptoms. A pediatrician can use a blood test to screen for low iron levels.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for IDA at 9 to 12 months of age.
While it’s technically possible for too much milk to lead to IDA in adults, it’s less likely that this will happen.
Iron is important for
However, adults can still get IDA by not getting enough iron in their diet.
According to the American Society of Hematology, those on a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet are at a higher risk of low iron levels. Other common risk factors for IDA in adults to be aware of include:
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- pregnancy and nursing
- bariatric surgery, particularly gastric bypass
- major surgeries or injuries that have led to blood loss
- certain medical conditions like peptic ulcer disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
What milk is good for iron deficiency in toddlers and babies?
Iron from breast milk gets absorbed into the body better than cow’s milk. However, standard infant formulas can also meet your child’s iron needs for the first 12 months of life. Depending on a child’s age and diet, they may need additional iron sources to prevent IDA.
Is almond milk good for iron deficiency?
It’s possible that almond milk may be a good alternative. It doesn’t contain the same components that interfere with iron absorption as in cow’s milk. And for people who have an intolerance to cow’s milk, it may not irritate the digestive tract as much.
One study of cells in a lab found that almond beverages may serve as a direct iron source or help with iron absorption. Nevertheless, it’s still important to speak with your child’s pediatrician about recommendations for dietary iron sources.
Can too much breast milk cause anemia?
Yes. The amount of iron in breast milk
Why can’t you take iron with milk?
It’s not recommended to take iron with milk, as components in milk can inhibit your body’s absorption of iron.
A growing child’s iron needs increase as they get older. It’s possible that too much cow’s milk can lead to IDA. The digestive tract may not absorb iron from cow’s milk very well. Also, components of cow’s milk can prevent the absorption of iron, and cow’s milk may irritate the digestive tract in some people, leading to iron loss through bleeding.
If you’re concerned about your baby or toddler getting enough iron, speak with their pediatrician. They can make specific recommendations for iron intake based on your child’s individual needs.