The child's diet is the most important way to prevent and to treat iron deficiency. Many foods are good sources of iron:

• Good -- Tuna, oatmeal, apricots, raisins, spinach, kale, greens, prunes.
• Better -- Eggs, meat, fish, chicken, turkey, soybeans, dried beans, peanut butter, peas, lentils, molasses.
• Best -- Breast milk (the iron is very easily used by the child), formula with iron, infant cereals, other iron-fortified cereals, liver, prune juice.

In addition, restrict milk to no more than 32 ounces daily. If the diet is deficient in iron, iron should be taken orally. During periods of increased requirements, such as teen pregnancy and lactation, increase dietary intake or take iron supplements.