Can i give my 2 yr old son over-the-counter multivitamins with iron if he is iron defiency anemic and how long should he take it?

Iron: It depends on how low his iron level is currently. He may need to take a multivitamin over the counter which usually only has a small amount of iron in it. In addition, he may need to add fer in sol which your doctor should instruct you on how much to give. Usually, the fer in sol is given for about 8 weeks and then the blood work is repeated to evaluate the therapy.

Not enough. : Usually over the counter multivitamins with iron do not have enough iron to correct the iron deficiency. There are good iron formulations (my kids iron) that an be used. Even on the iron specific formulations, the duration is several months. Talk with your pediatrician.

Iron rich foods: Add cereals to his diet. Iron is mandated by law to be added to cereals and breads green vegetables are also rich in iron if you can get your child to eat them.