Give Your Teens Iron a Boost

 Adolescence is a critical time for iron development, as teens are growing rapidly and need additional iron to support their growing bodies.
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including:

• Oxygen transport: Iron helps transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
• Energy production: Iron is necessary for the production of energy in the body.
• Brain development: Iron is important for brain development and cognitive function.
• Immune system function: Iron helps the body fight infections.

To help boost your teen's iron intake, consider the following tips:

• Encourage iron-rich foods: Foods high in iron include red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, fortified cereals, and dark, leafy greens such as spinach and kale.
• Serve iron-rich foods with vitamin C: Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron more efficiently, so encourage your teen to eat iron-rich foods with foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers.
• Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals: Drinking tea or coffee with meals can inhibit iron absorption, so encourage your teen to drink these beverages between meals.
• Choose lean cuts of meat: Choose lean cuts of meat to reduce the amount of saturated fat in your teen's diet, which can interfere with iron absorption.
• Encourage physical activity: Regular physical activity can increase your teen's appetite and help them get the nutrients they need to support their growing bodies.
• It's important to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the right amount of iron for your teen and to ensure that their iron intake is adequate for their individual needs.