For extra energy, add vegetable oils or vegetarian margarine to foods. A supplement of B12 may be needed. Getting enough iron Iron is essential for your child's health. Lack of iron leads to anaemia, which can hold back your child's physical and mental development. Children who are poor eaters or on restricted diets are most at risk.
Iron comes in two forms.
The other is found in plant foods, which is not quite so easy for the body to absorb. If you can, try to give your child a portion of meat or fish every day, and kidney or liver once a week. Even a small portion of meat or fish is useful because it also helps the body to absorb iron from other food sources. If your child doesn't have meat or fish, make sure that she regularly eats plenty of iron-rich alternatives. It's also a good idea to give foods or drinks that are high in vitamin C at mealtimes, as it helps the absorption of iron from non-meat sources.