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About giving Dark chocolates
Hello doctors.. I heard that we get iron from dark chocolates. Is this true?can i give dark chocolate to my 3 years old baby.
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Giving dark chocolate to a 3-year-old for iron is not recommended as a primary iron source. Here's why:
⚠️ Why dark chocolate is not ideal for iron in toddlers:
While dark chocolate contains iron, it also has oxalates and polyphenols that inhibit iron absorption.
It has caffeine and sugar, which are not recommended for toddlers.
It can reduce appetite and disturb sleep.
Over time, it may cause tooth decay or digestive issues.
✅ Better iron-rich foods for a 3-year-old:
Here are safe and child-friendly sources of iron:
🥦 Plant-based (non-heme iron) – give with vitamin C (e.g. orange, tomato) to enhance absorption:
Ragi (finger millet) – very rich in iron
Spinach (well-cooked and pureed)
Toor dal, moong dal
Sesame seeds (ellu) – can be added to ladoos
Dates, raisins, figs
Jaggery (in small amounts)
🍗 Animal-based (heme iron) – better absorbed:
Egg yolk
Chicken liver (small quantity, 1–2 times/week)
Fish
Red meat (well-cooked)
🥤 Iron-rich homemade recipes:
Ragi porridge with jaggery
Dates and dry fruit ladoo
Spinach paratha
Toor dal soup
Egg dosa
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Yes but it's in less quantity
Instead of giving chocolates
Give iron syrup Tonoferon syrup 5ml daily once for 1month.
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Greetings yes dark chocolate has iron but in lesser quantity ,but dark chocolate in large quantity for consumption is not good
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Dr. Sachin Pariskar
Pediatrician
8 yrs exp
Pune
Yes u can give
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Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
Yes
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Dr. Rahul Kamble
Pediatrician
11 yrs exp
Bangalore
There are other better alternative sources which are rich in iron like jaggery, drumstick curry, nuts.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.