Tens of thousands of parents could be putting their children at risk because they are not aware of the risks of iron deficiency in babies.

A survey by infant nutrition experts Cow and Gate has found that almost half of all parents in the North-East do not understand the causes and risks of iron deficiency anaemia in children.

Nine out of ten parents questioned were unaware that feeding cows' milk as the main drink to babies in the first year was one of the main causes of iron deficiency, and one in three had given cows' milk to their infants as a drink before 12 months of age.

Almost half of North-East parents wrongly thought that fishfingers were the best source of iron for children.

The symptoms of iron deficiency in infants can include decreased appetite, lethargy, delays in development and behavioural problems.

Nearly one in five parents believed that a pint of cows' milk was a better source of iron than a small portion of red meat.

More than three-quarters of parents questioned were not aware of any long-term health risks from anaemia, the most common nutritional deficiency in the UK. A working group has been set up by the Government's Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition to look into the issue.

Dr James Parker, of Cow and Gate, said: "The results highlight the lack of awareness and misunderstandings about iron deficiency among many parents.

"This is a major concern because iron deficiency is so common and the effects in infancy and childhood can be serious."