How and When to Have Your Child Checked for Low Iron

What Every Parent Should Know About Iron Deficiency and Safe Supplementation Options

Iron is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in your child’s growth and development. From the brain to the muscles, nearly every part of your child’s body depends on iron to function properly. Unfortunately, iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in children, especially among infants, toddlers, and young adolescents.

So how can you, as a parent, recognize the signs of low iron? When should you take your child to be checked, and what options do you have if they need supplementation? In this guide, we’ll answer all those questions—and introduce you to Pharmics Ferretts Iron Supplements, which offer a flexible dosing option suitable for children with physician guidance.

Why Iron Is So Important for Children

Iron is critical for the formation of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When iron levels are too low, the body can’t produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to iron deficiency anemia. This can result in:

• Fatigue
  
  
• Weakness
  
  
• Pale skin
  
  
• Slowed growth and development
  
  
• Poor appetite
  
  
• Behavioral problems
  
  
• Frequent infections
  
  

Children are at particularly high risk during periods of rapid growth—like infancy, early childhood, and adolescence—when their bodies need more iron to support development.

Common Causes of Low Iron in Kids

Low iron levels can stem from a variety of causes, including:

• Poor dietary intake: Many children are picky eaters and may not get enough iron from their food.
  
  
• Premature birth or low birth weight: Infants born early often start life with less iron.
  
  
• Breastfeeding without iron supplementation: While breast milk contains many essential nutrients, it’s low in iron, especially after 4–6 months.
  
  
• Excessive cow’s milk intake: Cow’s milk can interfere with iron absorption and is low in iron itself.
  
  
• Growth spurts: During rapid growth, children may outpace their body’s ability to absorb sufficient iron.
  
  

When to Have Your Child Checked for Low Iron

Routine iron screening is typically recommended at:

• 12 months of age for all infants, especially if they were born prematurely or had low birth weight
  
  
• Every 1–2 years after that if the child has risk factors or dietary concerns
  
  
• Any time you notice symptoms of fatigue, irritability, pale skin, or behavioral changes
  
  

Talk to your child’s pediatrician about testing, which usually includes a hemoglobin and hematocrit test (to check for anemia) and possibly a serum ferritin level (to check iron stores).

What Happens if Your Child Has Low Iron?

If tests show that your child has low iron, your healthcare provider will likely recommend:

• Dietary changes to increase iron intake from sources like lean meats, fortified cereals, beans, and leafy greens
  
  
• Iron supplements to boost iron levels more quickly and effectively
  
  

This is where Pharmics Ferretts Iron Supplements can offer a valuable solution.

Safe and Gentle Iron Supplementation with Pharmics Ferretts

Pharmics has been a trusted name in iron supplementation for decades. Our Ferretts Iron Supplements are available in multiple forms—capsules, chewable tablets, and liquid—and are gentle on the stomach, making them an excellent option for kids who need supplementation under a doctor’s guidance.

Parents love that Ferretts iron supplements use ferrous fumarate, a form of iron that is easier to tolerate and less likely to cause constipation than traditional ferrous sulfate.

And when it comes to kids, we understand that dosage matters.

Flexible Dosing for Smaller Bodies

With Ferretts, you can easily portion out a child-sized dose based on your pediatrician’s recommendation. Our liquid iron supplement, in particular, allows for precise measuring and flexible dosing—ideal for smaller children who may not need a full adult serving.

If you prefer tablets or chewables, you can cut or crush them to suit your child’s dosage needs. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for proper dosage, especially with children.

Why Choose Pharmics Ferretts?

Here’s why parents and healthcare providers trust Ferretts:

• Non-constipating and gentle on the stomach
  
  
• Free from unnecessary additives
  
  
• Available in multiple forms for flexible administration
  
  
• Trusted by hospitals and clinics for decades
  
  
• Pediatrician-recommended for safe iron supplementation
  
  

Whether your child needs a short-term boost or longer-term support, Ferretts Iron Supplements from Pharmics provide a gentle and effective solution to iron deficiency, all from a brand you can trust.

Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Stay Informed

Iron deficiency in children is common but preventable and treatable. By watching for symptoms, scheduling appropriate screenings, and working with your child’s doctor, you can ensure your child’s iron levels stay where they need to be.

And if supplementation is needed, Pharmics Ferretts Iron Supplements are here to help—with trusted formulas, gentle ingredients, and flexible dosing options to fit every child’s needs.

A Word of Caution

Before giving your child any iron supplement, always consult your healthcare provider. Iron is a powerful nutrient, but too much can be dangerous.
WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6.
Keep iron supplements out of the reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

If you’d like to learn more about Ferretts Iron Supplements, visit Pharmics’ official website and explore our full line of trusted iron solutions for the whole family.