Although iron is essential for the functioning of all organs, it is especially important for hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that helps with the circulation of oxygen throughout the body. Some signs of inadequate levels of iron could be irritability, slow growth, reduced appetite, fatigue and paleness. So, iron is important but how do you make sure that your baby gets enough?

While in the mother's womb, a baby gets lots of iron from the mother which is then stored in the baby's tissues and hemoglobin. In the first few months after birth as the baby grows these iron reserves get depleted and must be replaced through diet. Breastfed babies continue to get iron from the mother in her breast milk. This is an especially important source of iron for babies as the iron in breast milk is more readily absorbed than iron from other sources such as formula.

As a baby is weaned and solid foods are introduced, other sources of iron become essential. Iron fortified cereals and other iron rich foods such as dark green leafy vegetables as well as some grains need to become an important part of a baby's diet.

An important aspect of iron absorption relates to the nutrient interactions that occur when combining different foods. Some nutrients can significantly increase iron absorption while others can hinder iron absorption. For example, the vitamin C found in orange juice, when consumed with a meal can double the amount of iron absorbed while milk with a meal can decrease iron absorption. An excellent combination for babies is iron-fortified cereal or grains high in iron eaten in combination with fruit. In this case the vitamin C in the fruit ensures maximum absorption of the iron from the cereal.

Kalpna Solanki BSc MBA CPHI(C) is the President of BOBOBABY. Kalpna is a mom and has a background in public health and environmental management. Lawrence Mroz PhD(C) is the Director of Research and Nutrition at BOBOBABY.
Lawrence has a background in molecular biology and holistic nutrition, and is currently doing research in the area of diet and health. Copyright (c) 2006 by BOBOBABY