[Iron in nutrition].

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutrition Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Iron deficiency remains the most prevalent nutritional disorder globally.
• Existing dietary recommendations do not account for variable iron absorption from different foods.
• The French Pediatric Society formed a working group to address these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reassess and update pediatric iron intake recommendations.
• To define absorbed iron requirements rather than solely dietary iron requirements.
• To provide age-specific guidance for iron intake in infants and children.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary working group reviewed existing data on iron absorption and requirements.
• Recommendations were developed based on age, feeding type (breastfed, formula-fed), and food sources.
• Specific intake levels for formula, growing-up milk, and meat products were established.

Main Results:

• Introduction of iron-rich foods is recommended at 4 months for some breastfed infants.
• Infants aged 7-11 months require specific formula intake or oral iron supplementation if partially/totally breastfed.
• Children aged 1-6 years need growing-up milk and later meat consumption to meet iron needs, with specific targets from age 7.

Conclusions:

• Updated recommendations emphasize meeting absorbed iron requirements for preventing iron deficiency.
• Guidance includes age-appropriate introduction of iron sources, fortified formulas, and specific food portions.
• Oral iron therapy is indicated for insufficient iron intake or low ferritin levels.