Conclusions and recommendations of the WHO Consultation on prevention and control of iron deficiency in infants and young children in malaria-endemic areas

Abstract

The Consultation reached consensus on several important issues related to providing additional iron to infants and young children in malaria-endemic areas. The conclusions in this report apply specifically to regions where malaria is endemic. In this report, "iron supplements" refers to medicinal iron supplements given orally to population groups for the prevention and control of iron deficiency. "Iron therapy" refers to medicinal iron supplements given orally or parenterally for treatment of iron deficiency of individual patients. "Iron preparations for home fortification" refers to iron mixed with foods at home. Such iron preparations may be in the form of a powder, crushable tablet, or fat-based spread. "Processed foods fortified with iron" refers to food fortified with iron during food processing. © 2007, The United Nations University.