Lack of iron can make babies anemic, which will hinder their growth and development. In fact, the need for iron canfulfilled by certain types of food, without the need to take supplements, you know.
Iron is a mineral that can be found in a variety of foods of plant and animal origin. Babies aged 7-12 months need about 11 mg of iron per day. This amount can be fulfilled from daily food intake.
Why Is Iron Important for Babies?
The baby's body needs iron to produce hemoglobin. This part of the red blood cells is responsible for carrying and circulating oxygen throughout the body, and gives blood its red color.
Lack of hemoglobin levels in the blood can cause the baby to experience anemia, disorders of the movement system, behavioral disorders, and learning disorders later.
Choice of Foods Containing Iron
Iron is divided into two types, namely heme and nonheme. Heme iron comes from animals, while non-heme iron comes from plants. Heme iron is more easily absorbed by the body when compared to non-heme iron.
If your little one has started eating solid food or solid food, you can give him a variety of foods that are rich in iron:
1. Animal heart
In 100 grams of raw beef liver, contained about 5 milligrams of iron, while in 100 grams of raw chicken liver contains at least 4 milligrams of iron. Not only beef and chicken liver, you can too how come choose lamb or duck liver. The important thing is to process these foodstuffs properly and make sure your little one likes them, yes.
2. Spinach
Vegetables that are loved by the Popeye cartoons also contain iron you know, Bun. In 100 grams of spinach, there are at least 3.6 mg of iron. Spinach also contains vitamin C which will help the absorption of iron by the body.
In addition, spinach also contains antioxidants that can reduce the risk of cancer, inflammation, and eye disease in babies. Mothers don't need to be confused about choosing green spinach or red spinach. Both are equally nutritious how come, Bun.
3. Red meat
In 100 grams of ground beef contained about 2.5 mg of iron. Not only iron, red meat also contains protein, zinc, selenium, and some B vitamins. Mothers can process red meat in various ways. However, because babies are still learning to eat, as much as possible, do it according to the baby's eating stages, Mom.
4. Eggs
Who doesn't love eggs? Besides being able to be processed into omelettes, eggs can also be boiled, steamed, or mixed into other baby food menus you know, Bun. Two large egg yolks contain at least 1 mg of iron.
In addition, eggs also contain other nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, folic acid, selenium, choline, and good protein to support baby's growth.
5. Potato with skin
Apart from being a source of carbohydrates, potatoes also contain iron. When processing potatoes, it's a good idea not to throw away the skin. The reason is, most of the nutrients in potatoes are in the skin. Even so, make sure the potatoes have been washed thoroughly before processing, yes, Bun.
6. Broccoli
In 1 small cup or about 150 grams of cooked broccoli, there is about 1 mg of iron. In addition, broccoli also contains vitamin C, fiber, and vitamin K. Mothers can process them into stir-fries or boil them and make healthy snacks for the little ones.
The choices of types of food that have been mentioned above are quite easy to find and can be processed into various forms of dish. As much as possible meet the baby's iron needs from natural foods. And what is no less important is to meet other nutritional needs by adopting a healthy and balanced diet.
If your baby has difficulty eating and looks tired, uninspired, his skin is pale, his appetite has decreased, and his growth and development is not like other children his age, don't hesitate to get him checked out by a pediatrician right away, Bun.
