[Do Norwegian infants get too little iron in the diet?]

Since 1963 iron-fortified porridge has been recommended for Norwegian infants. Since then important changes have taken place with regard to infant nutrition. Since the late 1960s there has been a dramatic increase in the frequency of breast-feeding. Breast-feeding prevents anemia during the first six months. Most parents use iron-fortified porridge, but to a somewhat lesser extent than recommended. Recent studies indicate that the iron status of Norwegian infants is acceptable. The authors discuss iron intake in the light of present knowledge of iron bioavailability. The authors do not find sufficient evidence for changing recommendations to parents on infant diet, nor for more extensive use of iron-fortified porridge or for using infant milk-formula for a longer time.