Choosing an iron-fortified cereal for children involves reading the box for information on daily iron intake, whole grains, and other nutrients. Hot or cold cereal can be chosen, but consulting a pediatrician is recommended. Nutritional information should include 20-50% of daily iron and calcium, 10% of zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin D, and less than 10% of thiamine, niacin, or riboflavin. The right kind of cereal for children depends on their age and gender.
Many manufacturers offer extra iron-fortified cereals in an effort to ensure children get enough of this vital nutrient. When you’re looking for a cereal with iron, it can be very helpful to read the box first. Important information may include whether the cereal is made from whole grains, the daily amount of iron provided, and what other nutrients it contains. You can choose a hot or cold cereal, and each has advantages and disadvantages. It may also be a good idea to consult a pediatrician before giving iron-fortified cereals to children.
An iron-containing cereal may contain more fiber and protein when made from whole grains. This information is usually listed on the packaging. Some grains often used to make these cereals include wheat, corn, or oats, or an iron-fortified cereal might contain a combination of these ingredients.
The nutritional information on a box of cereal can give you an idea of how healthy an iron-containing cereal can be. This food should provide between 20 and 50 percent of your daily portion of iron and calcium. It should also contain about 10 percent of the daily allowance of zinc, vitamin A and vitamin D. The cereal might also contain less than 10 percent of the recommended allowance of thiamine, niacin or riboflavin.
It can help to know whether you want a hot or cold cereal with iron. One benefit to a cold cereal is that it can normally be eaten straight from the box, which often makes it more convenient. You may need to make a hot cereal, but one of these iron-fortified cereals is normally low in sugar and contains no additives or preservatives. Both types can typically be eaten with or without milk, although cold cereals usually taste better when milk is added.
If an iron-containing cereal is to be consumed by children, the right kind may depend on their age. Babies who are 6 to 12 months old typically need slightly less iron than older children. Boys over the age of 12 generally need less iron than girls in this same age group. Knowing how much iron to give a child can often be complex. For this reason, it may be a good idea to consult a pediatrician who can recommend the right amount of iron for that person.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
