Iron and nutritional status of toddlers

The iron and nutritional status of 22 clinically well and normal toddlers, aged from one to four years inclusive was determined. Mean energy intake was normal. Protein, fibre and ascorbic acid intakes were high. Total iron intake was low in 73%, and available iron was low in 96%. The percentage availability of the total iron intake was 6.98 +/- 1.2, which is below the 10% assumption of iron availability based on consumption of the recommended daily allowances. Mean haemoglobin was with in the normal range. Low normal serum ferritin suggested poor iron stores. Anthropometric measurements were normal. Although the toddlers; intake of most dietary parameters was normal, the finding of poor iron intake and stores is of concern given recent reports of the role of iron in weight gain and psychomotor development.