Which dietary counseling is recommended to help treat iron-deficiency anemia in toddlers?

• A. Avoid iron-rich foods and avoid vitamin C.
• B. Increase cow's milk intake to boost iron absorption.
• C. Include iron-rich foods and pair iron with vitamin C to enhance absorption; limit cow's milk intake.
• D. Only use iron supplements without dietary changes.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to boost iron intake from foods while improving how the body absorbs it, and to avoid too much milk that can crowd out iron-rich foods. Toddlers have high iron needs for growth, and non-heme iron (found in plant foods and fortified cereals) is absorbed better when paired with vitamin C. So including iron-rich foods such as lean meats, iron-fortified cereals, beans, and eggs, and pairing them with vitamin C–rich foods like citrus, strawberries, or peppers helps the body take in more iron. Limiting cow’s milk is important because excessive milk can displace iron-rich foods and is low in iron, which can contribute to ongoing iron deficiency. In practice, aim for iron-rich meals with a vitamin C boost and keep cow’s milk to a moderate amount (not excessive). Supplements may be needed if anemia persists, but dietary changes are the foundation.