Dirt cravings, pale skin and constant tiredness: 8 signs your child might be low in iron.

Australian research shows that one in eight people aged two years and over are not getting enough iron from their diet.

Thirteen-year-old me, yep, I was one of them. OK, so it may have had a bit to do with my well-meaning decision to become a vegetarian, with little idea about how to put this into practice. Who knew there was more to it than just removing meat from my diet?

There were tell-tale signs, like tiredness and pale skin, but I was much too busy keeping up with my friends to notice.

An urgent visit to the doctor after some test results changed everything.

First up was an iron supplement that well and truly helped me turn the corner. I soon became an expert in leafy greens and tofu and promised to take better care of myself.

Flash forward to mum life. These days, looking after myself is one thing, but what about when there’s a little one in the mix? And when it’s your child who isn’t feeling themselves, of course it’s natural that you start to worry.

What could be wrong? Why are they getting sick so often? As a parent, you can find yourself down the Google rabbit hole staring at symptoms and unnecessarily scaring yourself.

Our kids aren’t always able to tell us exactly how they feel or to recognise it themselves. So it’s our job as parents to be on the lookout.

If you’re worried your little one might be low in iron, here are some of the signs to keep an eye out for.

1. Pale skin
2. Tiredness or weakness
3. Slower than normal growth or development
4. Poor appetite or diet low in foods rich with iron
5. Breathlessness
6. Behavioural problems
7. Repeat infections
8. Cravings for strange things with no nutritional value, like dirt or ice. Yes, eating dirt.

Why is iron so important for children?

Babies, toddlers, preschoolers and teenagers are all at risk of low iron levels, mainly because their increased needs for iron may not be met if their diets are inadequate (fussy eater, anyone?!).

Now for the science part: Iron helps transport oxygen from the lungs around the body and helps muscles store and use oxygen. Iron gives us the energy for everyday life, and is important for brain development.

Simple solutions for low iron in children.

The good news is, if you suspect your child is low in iron, there are some simple steps you can take.

• Try an iron-boosting liquid formulation.

Little™ Iron is suitable for children from one year of age. This formulation has been specially developed with B complex vitamins to help restore energy and support growth, and vitamin C to assist with iron absorption.

The iron is organic, gentle on the tummy and has a great berry taste, too. And don't worry - it has no added gluten, lactose, artificial flavours or sweeteners.

You can depend on the Little™ range of products, which have been helping parents of young children for many years.

• Serve iron-rich foods.

Good sources of iron for children include red meat, chicken, fish, beans, eggs and dark green leafy vegetables.

Serving iron-rich foods with Vitamin C helps promote the absorption of dietary iron. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes and dark green vegetables.

• Visit your health professional.

If you’d like further advice, your doctor or pharmacist can offer valuable support.

A little iron goes a long way.

As any parent of a young child knows, when you’ve both got lots of energy, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Whether it’s building castles in the sandpit or kicking the footy, if they feel better, so will you.

If you think your child may be a little low in iron, consider their dietary intake and perhaps a supplement. And, of course, consult a trusted health professional for advice.

Have you had any experiences with iron deficiency in your life? Let us know below.