While the easily absorbable haem iron is found in animal foods such as lean red meat, fish and chicken, the non-haem version, which is difficult to be absorbed is abundant in breads, cereals, vegetables, legumes and eggs. Another risk factor is a hurried introduction of cow's milk. In very young infants, cow's milk can cause bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract. Cow's milk should not be introduced until 12 months of age. In toddlers, high intakes of milk or other fluids can reduce their appetite for other foods and this can place the child at risk of iron deficiency.
Many kids become 'fussy eaters' and refuse foods, which can also cause problems for iron intakes.
In the developing world, parasitic infestations, such as hookworm, are important causes of iron deficiency. One group at high risk of iron deficiency is teenage girls, many of whom are dieting to lose weight. Then, the adoption of vegetarian diets is a big fad worldwide. Cleghorn also asks mothers to check excessive intake of substances that can block the absorption of non-haem iron such as large intakes of tea, coffee and fibre in their children's diets.