Nutrients that require special attention
Iron
At birth, babies have iron stores to last approximately six months. From that age iron-rich weaning foods, such as puréed meat, should be included in a child’s diet to prevent stores running low.
By the age of one year, the child’s intake of iron-rich foods should be well established. The iron found in meat and meat products is more easily absorbed by your child’s body than iron from other sources.
Vitamin C helps the body to make the best use of iron from non-meat sources, so include vitamin C-rich foods with meals, particularly if little meat is eaten.
- Good sources of iron: red meat e.g. beef and lamb and meat products.
- Other sources of iron: eggs, beans and lentils, wholemeal bread, breakfast cereals fortified with iron (check the label), green leafy vegetables and dried fruit.
- Vitamin C sources: citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, potatoes (especially new potatoes), tomatoes, green peppers, frozen peas, diluted/unsweetened citrus fruit juice, blackcurrants, unsweetened blackcurrant juice.
Vitamins and Minerals
It is recommended that children eat a wide and varied diet to meet their vitamin and mineral needs and not depend on supplements.
Fruit and vegetables are a good source of a wide range of vitamins and minerals. By including a variety of these foods in your child’s diet you can help to ensure that their needs are being met. If the child will not eat vegetables, try to disguise them in cooked dishes.
Fat
Fat contains essential energy, fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids which are needed for growth. Although reduced-fat foods are not recommended for young children, fat intakes should not be excessive. As the child grows older, their fat intakes should decrease.
For example, low-fat varieties of important foods such as semi-skimmed milk may not meet children’s energy needs. For this reason, low-fat milk should not be introduced before the age of two - and only then if the child is eating well. Skimmed milk should not be given to children under five years.