Iron deficiency in infants and young children.

If we are to reduce the incidence of iron deficiency, parents need more education in how to prevent it. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional problem in early childhood in the UK and may adversely affect development. Breast milk, infant formulae and follow-on formulae all provide enough absorbable iron for the young infant, but the iron content in cow's milk is poorly absorbed. Problems may arise between the ages of six months and two years. While many commercial weaning foods are fortified with iron and vitamin C, there are indications that household foods ("home cooking") do not always provide enough iron. Studies are beginning to suggest that a significant proportion of infants and 2-5 year olds may not be getting enough iron. Foods which contain plenty of haem iron (meat, meat products, and poultry) provide the most readily absorbable iron. Non-haem iron, found in fruits, vegetables and cereals, is not well absorbed Vitamin C improves absorption of iron