Iron deficiency (ID) is prevalent in infants, children and adolescents worldwide due to their high iron requirements during growth, low dietary iron intake and low-bioavailability diet. Low iron status is associated with adverse health consequences throughout childhood. Prevention measures should be initiated early and include iron supplementation of pregnant women, delayed cord clamping at delivery and exclusive breast-feeding for 6 months. Iron needs to increase sharply after the first 4–6 months of life and high iron content of complementary foods is critical. Iron fortification of infant formulas and infant cereals, addition of micronutrient powders to home-prepared complementary foods, or provision of iron drops are the most effective prevention strategies in weaning infants, but early introduction of meat and delayed introduction of cow’s milk are also important. Prevention strategies in older children involve dietary approaches which increase iron content and bioavailability of the diet, and consumption of iron-fortified foods. In areas of extensive ID, iron supplementation may be required. If malaria is prevalent, large supplementation doses should only be given to children with confirmed ID. All interventions to control pediatric ID should be integrated into larger national and global health programs for pregnant women and children, including health education, malaria prevention and deworming. The impact of ID prevention strategies on iron status and the prevalence of ID should be monitored by measuring iron status periodically in the population.

Keywords:
Iron deficiency, infants, children, adolescents, Infant formula, Complementary food, Iron fortification, Iron supplementation
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2010 Nestec Ltd., Vevey/S. Karger AG, Basel
2010
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.