澳大利亚近期发生三名幼儿因低铁水平死亡的事件，引发了对儿童营养健康的关注[1]。虽然危及生命的缺铁情况很少见，但缺铁仍是幼儿中最常见的营养缺陷之一[1]。幼儿缺铁与认知、行为和运动发育不良密切相关[1]。
缺铁诊断需要通过血液检测确认，仅依靠症状无法准确判断[1]。医生通常会测量血清铁蛋白（反映铁储存水平）和血红蛋白来评估儿童的铁营养状况[1]。从6个月左右开始，母乳不再能单独满足婴儿的铁需求，需要引入其他含铁食物[1]。根据澳大利亚指南建议，12个月后应将牛奶摄入量限制在约500毫升/天，以确保儿童能从多样化饮食中获取充足铁质[1]。
Following the deaths of three young children in Queensland due to low iron levels, health experts have highlighted the importance of understanding iron deficiency in early childhood [1]. While iron deficiency remains one of the most common nutritional deficiencies among toddlers, life-threatening cases are rare [1]. However, the condition can have serious developmental consequences: iron deficiency in infants and young children is associated with poor cognitive, behavioral, and motor development [1].
Parents should be aware that iron deficiency cannot be diagnosed based on symptoms alone and requires blood testing [1]. Blood tests typically measure serum ferritin, which indicates iron storage, and hemoglobin levels [1]. Additionally, from around six months of age, breast milk alone can no longer meet an infant's iron requirements [1], making the introduction of iron-rich foods essential. Australian guidelines recommend limiting milk intake to approximately 500 milliliters per day after 12 months [1].
