Iron, Infants and the First 1,000 Days - with Gina Ulrich
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NZ listeners - save 10% off Calocurb by using the code Mikkipedia10 at www.calocurb.co.nz
This week on the podcast Mikki speaks to Gina Urlich, clinical nutritionist and founder of Odi Nutrition. Mikki and Gina dive into why iron deficiency is such an important issue in babies and young children, and why iron needs increase so dramatically from around six months of age.
They unpack the difference between low iron stores, iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, why iron matters so much for brain development, behaviour, immunity and growth, and some of the signs that might warrant further investigation.
They also get very practical about feeding. Gina explains haem versus non-haem iron, the best iron-rich foods for babies and toddlers, how to improve absorption, and why meeting iron requirements can be surprisingly difficult when you are dealing with small appetites and picky eaters.
They also discuss the baby and toddler food environment, what parents should know about common packaging claims, and the gap Gina saw in the market that ultimately led her to create Odi Nutrition.
This is a really practical episode for parents, grandparents and practitioners who want to better understand how to support iron status during these critical early years.
Gina Urlich is a clinical nutritionist, former nurse, mother of four and the founder of Odi Nutrition. She holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutritional Medicine and has spent much of her career working in women’s health and infant nutrition.
Her interest in early childhood nutrition grew through both her clinical work and her own experience as a mum. After creating resources to help parents navigate introducing solids, Gina saw just how much confusion there was around feeding babies well, particularly when it came to balancing good nutrition with the realities of busy family life.
That ultimately led her to create Odi Nutrition, a New Zealand baby and children’s food company focused on convenient, nutrient-dense wholefood options for growing children.
