A new research says that red meat and fortified milk can improve their levels of iron which is needed for the development of the brain.

The children were divided into three groups- one group was on red meat dishes two times a day, another group was fed iron-fortified powdered milk, and the third was given non-fortified powdered milk.

The levels of iron in the blood are indicated by the protein ferritin, which was measured by the researchers at the beginning and end of the five-month experiment.

The level in toddlers drinking fortified milk rose by 44 percent as compared to those who are fed on red meat and reduced in those who were on regular milk powder.

Anne-Louise Heath, a researcher, said that one out of every three toddlers in New Zealand had low iron levels which could cause anemia.

Dr Heath also says that severe iron deficiency can cause impaired cognitive function and behavioral problems and can delay the development of the brain.

She said that many parents are not even aware of the problem and should seek professional advice to make sure that every child's iron levels remain optimum.