NZ kids short on iron

Media release 5 September, 2007

NZ kids short on iron

A research study recently published by the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health has shown that iron deficiency is extremely prevalent in young New Zealand children. The study has also proven that there are links between cultural practices and iron status. The study was conducted by a working party which included paediatricians working in metropolitan and rural areas as well as a paediatric nutritionist.

The first signs of iron deficiency, tiredness, poor appetite, feelings of general unwellness, irritability, poor sleeping patterns and skin and conjunctiva pallor (although not always). The best way to find out if a child is suffering from iron deficiency is for them to see their local GP for a blood test.

A lack of iron while a child is growing can result in a child who is inattentive, grumpy and prone to infections. Even more critical is the fact that low iron levels can hinder actual brain development and intellectual capacity and even worse, this damage is permanent.

The issue is not just a New Zealand issue. UNICEF estimates that 40-50% of children under 5 years old in developing countries are iron deficient. Because young children grow at such a rapid rate they have an increased risk of iron deficiency compared to adults.

Foods such as iron-fortified infant cereals and liver once or twice a week, maximum of 10g (2 teaspoons) (for infants-2 years) are recommended. Cereals should be given without added sugar or salt for infants and are a good source of iron for infants.

Giving children food that is high in iron should begin when they are 6 months old. Meat balls are attractive from about the age of 9 months such as bite-size kebabs, mini burgers (home-made), boiled eggs with bread or toast fingers, rissoles made from legumes. Another excellent source of iron is dark green vegetables; often children prefer raw florets of vegetables rather than cooked. These can be served with hummus. Pate is another good source, as long as stored in fridge and eaten promptly.

Foods that are rich in Vitamin C help to improve iron absorption. Foods such as cabbage, broccoli, tomato, kiwifruit, red & yellow capsicum, feijoas, citrus fruits (e.g. oranges, mandarins and lemons), mango, rock melon all have high vitamin C levels. Fruit should be consumed at meal times in order to help with iron absorption. However citrus foods should not be given to infants under 8 months old. Parents should also avoid giving tea to infants and young children as tannins in tea inhibit iron absorption.
For more information please contact Dr Marguerite Dalton on 0274 824 729

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Tips for helping kids to eat healthy food

Positive eating habits need to be established in early childhood so that healthy eating habits are maintained throughout a child’s life. Both parent and child play an important role in making healthy choices and there are guidelines a parent can follow in order to help their child make health choices for the rest of their lives. Providing healthy meals and snacks allows a child to grow, be healthy as well as learn about positive attitudes towards eating and other aspects of their lives.

Establishing regular meal and snack routines is vital to your child’s development. Children are well known for being fussy eaters; remember you can not cook everyone’s favourite foods every time and make sure you serve age-appropriate portions. Planning adequate time to allow children to eat without feeling rushed will ensure that meal times are a non-stressful situation for the child. Forcing a child to eat something they do not want to will only make them feel uncomfortable every time they try new foods.

One trick to getting your child to eat new foods is to combine liked and familiar foods with less popular foods or new foods. Making sure you prepare a variety of different textures, colours, shapes and tastes will keep your child interested in what they are eating. Research shows that it may take more than 10 trials for a child to accept new food.

Snacks should be promoted as a healthy addition to the three meals not replacing them, to often children are missing actual meal times and being given unhealthy snacks as replacement, thereby compromising nutritional requirement. Unhealthy food rewards should also be avoided. “You can have ice-cream if you eat your meat” will only create a negative attitude towards the healthier food option.

A final important part of the eating routine is also hand hygiene; ensure children wash their hands before both food preparation and meal times. This ensures that food will not become contaminated and bacteria will not spread.

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