All ArticlesNutrition
Iron, Vitamin D, and Growth: Nutrients Kids Commonly Miss
Why iron and vitamin D deficiency are common in childhood, food sources that help, and the screening we do at well visits.
By Rezia Divaker, MDJuly 3, 2026Medically reviewed July 3, 2026
Two nutrients come up more than any others in pediatric practice: iron and vitamin D. Both matter for growth and development, and both are easy to miss.
Iron
- Iron supports oxygen delivery, energy, and brain development.
- Toddlers who drink large amounts of cow's milk are at higher risk of low iron.
- Good sources: meat, beans, lentils, fortified cereals, spinach, and tofu.
- Vitamin C at the same meal improves absorption from plant sources.
- We screen for anemia at about 12 months and when risk factors are present.
Vitamin D
- Supports bone growth and immune function.
- Breastfed infants need 400 IU daily starting shortly after birth.
- Children over one generally need about 600 IU daily.
- Sunscreen, indoor time, and darker skin tones all reduce skin production.
Signs worth mentioning to us
- Persistent fatigue or unusual pallor.
- Poor appetite or slowed growth.
- Frequent bone or leg pain.
- A very limited diet or an eating pattern that excludes whole food groups.
Growth tracking
We plot height, weight, and BMI at every well visit. What matters most is your child's own curve over time rather than a single percentile at a single visit.
When to call Divaker Pediatrics
Our Mount Dora office is here for questions big and small. Call 352-383-8386 to schedule a visit, or use the healow patient portal to send a message to our team. If your child has a medical emergency, call 911.