Why your child might be iron deficient despite a healthy diet

Ensuring children eat nutritious food is vital for their growth, but iron often remains a particularly elusive mineral. Even when parents provide iron-rich meals, children can still suffer from deficiencies.

Clinical nutritionist Nikkie Malhotra recently explained on Instagram that if a child is deficient, "it affects their brain development, immunity, growth, focus and memory."

Iron is essential because it helps haemoglobin transport oxygen throughout the body and supports muscle function.

If your child appears pale, irritable, or constantly tired, Malhotra suggests checking their iron profile.

Often, the issue isn't a lack of iron in the diet, but poor absorption. She identified five primary reasons for this:

• Dairy interference: Drinking milk with meals, as calcium blocks iron.
• Tannins: Consuming tea or chocolate too close to meal times.
• Missing Vitamin C: Iron requires Vitamin C to be absorbed effectively.
• Health issues: Intestinal worm infections or poor gut health.

To remedy this, Malhotra recommends simple dietary tweaks:

• Squeeze lemon or Indian gooseberry over iron-rich foods.
• Serve fruit immediately after meals.
• Separate milk from main meals by at least one hour.

She suggests incorporating natural sources like unrefined cane sugar, black raisins, beetroot, spinach, kidney beans, chickpeas, finger millet, and sesame seeds.

By focusing on how these foods are paired, parents can ensure their children truly benefit from every bite.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.