[Runningmommy]

Hi, my third son tested low for iron at his 9 month check up (he is almost 10 months old) and was prescribed an iron supplement. I'm wondering if he can get the iron from table food and if I up my iron intake? He eats all the food we do, lots of beans, legumes, fruit, veggies, tofu. If he really needs the supplement, I'll give it to him of course. My husband is really freaked out that I havent' gotten the precription filled yet. My friend that is a trauma nurse said he isn't exhibiting the signs of anemia. His hemoglobin was 9.7 when they want it to be 10.5. He is healthy and reaching all the milestone's for his age. Any input??? Thanks mamas!!
Lisa

 

[Ruthla]

If it were me, I'd hold off on the iron supplements and encourage him to eat a lot of iron-rich foods. My son's iron levels were low 6 months ago, and I managed to bring them back up with diet alone- lots of oatmeal, fortified cereals, etc.

 

[Runningmommy]

That's what I was thinking, although the ped. said that eating a diet rich in iron foods wouldn't be enough and I jsut read this to support what she said. NOw I'm doubting myself??

http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/ida_p3.html

Sorry, edited to added, tahnk you for giving me hope that it CAN be done with diet alone. Other than cereal, can you give other suggestions for the iron rich foods? I found a little list on the page following the above link although we are vegetarians so we don't do meat and eggs, although I couls start eggs I guess. Can they have both egg white and yolk at 10 months, I can't remember? Thanks again for your help and support!

http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/ida_p4.html