Iron needs should be met by breast milk and iron supplement or iron-fortified infant formula. As babies move to solid foods, they may not get enough iron from their foods. All babies should take breast milk or iron-fortified formula. Children between one and four years of age are at risk because of rapid growth and a lack of sufficient iron in their diets unless iron-fortified foods or a supplement is available. Milk is a very poor source of iron.
Iron deficiency occurs in the form of iron deficiency anemia .
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia can occur during periods of rapid growth, during pregnancy , and among women who are menstruating more than usual. It can be associated with any type of intestinal loss of blood, frequent donation of blood, or from the inability to absorb iron efficiently. Initial symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are fatigue and lack of energy. Dizziness , weight loss , and lowered immunity can also occur. The symptoms can be alleviated once the cause of the iron deficiency has been determined.