Iron deficiency anemia primary prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Jogeet Singh Sekhon, M.D. [2]

Maintaining adequate iron stores in the body, is the most effective approach to prevent iron deficiency anemia. The source of iron to the body is diet. Consuming iron rich food will prevent iron deficiency anemia.

• Diet is the major source of iron to the body and iron rich diet will prevent iron deficiency anemia. Red meat, liver, and egg yolks are important sources of iron. Flour, bread, and some cereals are fortified with iron.^[1][2]
• During periods when extra iron (such as pregnancy and breastfeeding) is needed, iron supplements are given in a dose of 60 mg iron/day.
• Iron suuplements also given to adolescence girls and low birth weight babies.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants be fed breast milk or iron-fortified formula for at least 12 months. The AAP does NOT recommend giving cow’s milk to children under 1 year old.

• Good sources of iron include:

• Apricots
• Kale and other greens
• Oatmeal
• Prunes
• Raisins
• Spinach
• Tuna

• Better sources of iron include:

• Chicken and other meats
• Dried beans and lentils
• Eggs
• Fish
• Molasses
• Peanut butter
• Soybeans
• Turkey

• Best sources of iron include:

• Baby formula with iron
• Breast milk (the iron is very easily used by the child)
• Infant cereals and other iron-fortified cereals
• Liver
• Prune juice

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