Abstract
Iron is an essential micronutrient required for hemoglobin synthesis, central nervous system development, and protection from infection. Early childhood is a time of vulnerability as iron deficiency in this period is associated with impaired neurodevelopment. Low socioeconomic status, preterm birth, and suboptimal diet are risk factors for iron deficiency. Due to a lack of iron excretory mechanism, the possibility of iron excess also exists. Appropriate iron intake in the first 2 years of life is critical.
Keywords: Anemia, Complementary feeding, Infant nutrition, Iron deficiency, Iron requirements
CANADIAN PAEDIATRIC SOCIETY NUTRITION AND GASTROENTEROLOGY COMMITTEE
Members: Dana L. Boctor MD (past member), Linda M. Casey MD, Jeffrey N. Critch MD (past Chair), ManjulaGowrishankar MD (past member), Eddy Lau MD (Board Representative), Catherine M. Pound MD (Chair), Ana M. Sant’Anna MD, Pushpa Sathya MD, Christopher Tomlinson MB, ChB, PhD, Sharon L. Unger MD (past member)
Liaisons: Becky Blair MSc RD, Dietitians of Canada; Patricia D’Onghia MPH RD, Health Canada; Tanis R. Fenton PhD RD, Dietitians of Canada; Laura Haiek, Breastfeeding Committee for Canada; Deborah Hayward, Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, Health Canada; Sarah Lawrence MD, Canadian Pediatric Endocrine Group
Principal authors: Sharon L. Unger MD FCRP, Tanis R. Fenton PhD RD, Radha Jetty MD FCRP, Jeff N. Critch MD FRCP, Deborah L. O’Connor PhD RD
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