Iron deficiency:
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends prevention of iron deficiency for 6-12 month infants with a low birth weight, premature birth, or those at increased risk to reduce the risk of iron deficiency with formulas and cereals fortified with iron (9). This includes vegetarian children.
Maintain follow up intervals at the pediatrician:
The primary care pediatrician should emphasize maintaining compliance and follow-up intervals based on diagnoses, school physicals, or vaccine requirements.
Infant and child nutrition:
Infants receiving breast milk and/or an infant formula in most cases contain an adequate amount of water, necessary nutrients and do not normally require any other supplementation. The pediatrician should determine the infant’s intake of breast milk or formula to ensure adequate nutrition and to reduce the risk of dehydration (10). Infants should receive all nutrients from breast milk or formula until food is introduced. Lactating mothers actively breast feeding should follow nutrient guidelines for lactation recommended daily allowances. The pediatrician can often identify possible nutrient deficiencies found in infants consuming breast milk from parents with a nutrient deficiency or those infants which consume cow’s milk only. For example, one of the important nutrients to test for periodically is iron deficiency due to a high prevalence of this deficiency. Have your children avoid concentrated sweets which result in abrupt hyperactivity followed by irritability after the sugar is metabolized. Read More
