The most common cause of iron deficiency is having a diet that doesn't have enough iron in it. This can be cause by using a low iron formula, not supplementing breast milk or formula with an iron fortified cereal, not eating foods that are rich in iron and most commonly by drinking too much milk. Regular cow's milk does not contain very much iron in it and it can actually prevent your child from absorbing other sources of iron in his intestines. Too much milk can also cause your child too loose small amounts of blood in his stool.
Iron deficiency anemia can be easily treated with an iron vitamin and improving the dietary intact of iron. Foods rich in iron include meat, beans, spinach and other foods that say they are iron fortified. It is best to give iron vitamins with orange juice, because Vitamin C can help the iron be absorbed. Do not give iron vitamins with cow's milk.
It is important that your doctor rechecks your child's blood counts about one month after he has started treatment to make sure it is working.
