Have you been hearing all the recent conversations about dairy and iron deficiency in children and wondering, "Should I be worried about how much dairy my child is having?"
In this episode, I'm unpacking the recent media discussion around dairy, extreme iron deficiency anaemia and three Queensland toddlers who sadly died after developing severe iron deficiency anaemia.
Now, I don't want to scare you. But I do want you to be informed.
There's been a lot of discussion and different opinions around this topic, so I'm taking a balanced look at what we know about iron deficiency, where dairy fits into the picture, and why too much dairy can become a problem for young children.
As a paediatric dietitian, I see iron deficiency regularly, particularly in children who are picky eaters, fussy eaters or eating a very limited range of foods. And one of the biggest issues I see is dairy displacing the iron-rich foods that our children need.
In This Episode
Understanding Iron Deficiency vs Iron Deficiency Anaemia
I break down the difference between low iron, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, and why severe deficiency can have a significant impact on a child's health.
How Too Much Dairy Can Contribute to Low Iron
We look at why large amounts of milk, cheese and yoghurt can displace nutritious foods containing iron, particularly in children with restricted diets.
Why Young Children Need So Much Iron
Find out why babies and toddlers have surprisingly high iron requirements and why we need to be intentional about the foods we're offering.
Signs Your Child May Have Low Iron
I talk through some of the signs parents can look out for, including poor appetite, fussiness, tiredness, pale skin, concentration difficulties and pica.
Supporting a Picky or Fussy Eater
Practical ways to increase iron-rich foods without relying on red meat, particularly when your child struggles with textures or has a very limited diet.
Show Notes & Resources
Healthy Recipes for Kids: https://nourishwithkarina.com/healthy-recipes-for-kids
Free Kids Nutrition Library: https://nourishwithkarina.com/freeinfo
Nutrition Consultation: https://nourishwithkarina.com/nutrition-consultation
Join the Membership Waitlist: https://nourishwithkarina.com/membership
Email Karina: hello@nourishwithkarina.com
