Low Iron in Toddlers: Understanding Iron Deficiency & Supplementation

Question
Hi Dr. Borucki,
My 16-month-old son recently had blood tests done, and the pediatrician said he's not anaemic, but his iron stores are low. What is the difference between low iron levels and low iron stores (if there is any)? Is this common in toddlers (he eats ok - although I can't get him to eat red meat or iron-fortified cereals - and is still nursing 3-4 times a day; no cow's milk yet)? Also, my husband and I have noticed that since he's been taking the iron supplement drops the doctor prescribed, his appetite has been better. Is there a link?
Thanks!
Tara

Answer
iron is needed to make red blood cells.... the body keeps making them until the iron is completely depleted.... until then you can have "low iron" that is completely asymptomatic.  So, mostly, don't worry about it.  Stick a chewable multivitamin with iron in his regiment otherwise, don't worry.  I don't see a direct link between the supplement and the appetite.  

Some kids develop pica.... eating ice when iron is really low but usually not when it is mildly low.

No big deal!