New approaches to iron fortification: role of bioavailability studies

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia remains an enormous global problem. Up to half of the children in developing countries and ≈10% of the children in developed countries are estimated to be iron deficient. Iron deficiency leads to impaired physical work performance, cognitive impairment, and adverse pregnancy outcomes (1). Increasing evidence shows that iron deficiency anemia in infants and toddlers can lead to irreversible developmental delays (2).