Iron help for my lil guy

sassylilmama
sassylilmama Posts: 1,493 Member
edited November 8 in Food and Nutrition
My 2 year old is anemic, gets it from me probably. He is on a supplement but we are having trouble getting him to take it. We mix it into drink but he knows it is in there if he sees a straw he will not drink it. (have to use a straw to not stain his teeth). Also have a hard time getting him to eat red meat or greens. Any suggestions on getting him to take his supplement or other foods with iron? Would really appreciate the help.

Replies

  • Avalonis
    Avalonis Posts: 1,540 Member
    My 2 year old is anemic, gets it from me probably. He is on a supplement but we are having trouble getting him to take it. We mix it into drink but he knows it is in there if he sees a straw he will not drink it. (have to use a straw to not stain his teeth). Also have a hard time getting him to eat red meat or greens. Any suggestions on getting him to take his supplement or other foods with iron? Would really appreciate the help.

    Grab jaw. Pry open mouth. Insert steak or supplement. Plug nose.

    In all seriousness though, are there any red meat foods that he really likes? If so, start loading him up!
  • KendraElmendorf
    KendraElmendorf Posts: 837 Member
    To boost the amount of iron in your diet, try these foods:

    Red meat; Egg yolks; Dark, leafy greens (spinach, collards); Dried fruit (prunes, raisins); Iron-enriched cereals and grains (check the labels); Mollusks (oysters, clams, scallops); Turkey or chicken giblets; Beans, lentils, chick peas and soybeans; Liver; Artichokes

    I know not much to work with for a two year old but still...

    Also: If you eat iron-rich foods along with foods that provide plenty of vitamin C, your body can better absorb the iron.

    You could also try the gummy vitamins or Flintstones vitamins with extra iron to at least get some in him :)
  • Sackit
    Sackit Posts: 45 Member
    Grape Nuts have tons of Iron. Also super yummy sprinkled on some peanut butter on an apple.
  • ItsMeRebekah
    ItsMeRebekah Posts: 909 Member
    To boost the amount of iron in your diet, try these foods:

    Red meat; Egg yolks; Dark, leafy greens (spinach, collards); Dried fruit (prunes, raisins); Iron-enriched cereals and grains (check the labels); Mollusks (oysters, clams, scallops); Turkey or chicken giblets; Beans, lentils, chick peas and soybeans; Liver; Artichokes

    I know not much to work with for a two year old but still...

    Also: If you eat iron-rich foods along with foods that provide plenty of vitamin C, your body can better absorb the iron.

    You could also try the gummy vitamins or Flintstones vitamins with extra iron to at least get some in him :)
    My son also requires tons of extra iron from his condition.. He loves eggs and dried fruit, greens in salads (spinach is so good for this) scallops even! Try just giving it to him, if he balks at the idea then start looking into the books where you can sneak in extra healthy food LOL thats what i did and it works well.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Cream of Wheat cereal is very high in iron - has one of the highest amounts in a single serving than many other foods. One serving contains 25 mg.

    There's a good list of iron rich foods here (from my local blood bank): http://www.donateblood.org/IronRichFoods.htm

    And does he like fruit smoothies? You can add a LOT of fresh spinach to fruit smoothies and they still taste like fruit, but it does turn the smoothie green! If that's a problem, add blueberries or strawberries and it turns purpleish. Or put it in a plastic cup he can't see through. :tongue:
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    most people here cannot agree on such basic things like drinking water. PLEASE PLEASE do not seek nutrition advice for your child from strangers on the internet. Some may actually give some decent advice but please get your childs nutrition advice from qualified sources. good luck
  • lagcrg
    lagcrg Posts: 38 Member
    At age 2 I would recommend a childrens vitamin labeled with Extra Iron...as for adding what you have to a drink, I would suggest fruit smoothies or use a sippy cup so your kid doesn't see the straw and it will avoid the teeth issue. Last two things, talked to the doc about other options and or do some internet research on iron treatments for kids. Good luck in getting your little one healthy.
  • sassylilmama
    sassylilmama Posts: 1,493 Member
    most people here cannot agree on such basic things like drinking water. PLEASE PLEASE do not seek nutrition advice for your child from strangers on the internet. Some may actually give some decent advice but please get your childs nutrition advice from qualified sources. good luck

    I was just asking for ideas on getting him to take his medicine or foods rich in iron. Obviously I take him to a doctor or I would not know his iron levels. We were just in this morning. His ped. gave some ideas but also said talk to other parents see what they have done to help their kids. You know sometimes its just useful to hear from people who have been there. It is not like I was asking for a diagnoses. I understand what you are saying but asking for ideas on getting a child to do something is not exactly a huge health question.

    The kids vitamins have not helped with his iron. The supplement he refuses and many of the foods he refuses. The ped. is a bit stumped herself on how else we can treat him without more serious medical intervention.
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