Hello Reader,

Attention PARENTS and CLINICIANS: Iron is one nutrient we want to keep on our radar when it comes to babies, toddlers, and teens. And to be honest, us moms too. #AD

Iron is essential for making red blood cells, transporting oxygen, and supporting healthy brain development. Yet an estimated 1 in 10 Canadian children aged 3–4 years has low iron.

So, what can we do? We summed up some tips in this instagram post. Save that and read on:

It is far better to prevent low iron than to try to correct iron deficiency, which can take months.

In partnership with our friends at Think Beef, let’s look at some things you can implement today.
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​🥩 Offer iron-rich foods regularly. Beef, sardines, lentils, hemp hearts, and iron-fortified infant cereal are all options to work into your family's meals.

🍓 Pair iron sources with vitamin C. Think lentils with tomatoes and iron-fortified cereal with berries. Vitamin C helps our bodies absorb more iron in plant based foods.

🍲 Mix and match. Meat (like beef!), fish, and poultry has super powers: 1) it contains the heme source of iron that’s more easily absorbed and 2) can actually help the body absorb more non-heme iron from other foods eaten in the same meal. For this powerful combo, try our beef and lentil meat buns!
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​🥛 Keep milk in check. While cow’s milk provides other key nutrients that kids need to grow and thrive, it contains very little iron. If toddlers and young children are drinking more than 2-3 cups per day, it could be crowding out room in their appetite for iron containing food.

👶🏽 For babies starting solids, iron-rich foods deserve a regular spot on the menu. This means parents should be offering 1-2 iron containing foods at each eating opportunity. Yes - EVERY eating opportunity!

🩸 And, if you’re a clinician, screen for nutrient gaps and order bloodwork when indicated.

Let's get practical

Here are some baby and toddler friendly ways you can put these into practice!

Hungry for more information?

As always, we hope this newsletter brings you education but moreover, leaves you inspired to make nutritious and joyful food choices for your family!

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In health and happiness,