Paediatrics & Child Health · 2019 · 27 citations · 0 references
AgricultureNutritionNutritional SciencesChild NutritionHuman NutritionPediatric NutritionAnemiaEarly-life NutritionIron DeficiencyIron MetabolismIron NutritionMicronutrient RequirementsCentral Nervous System DevelopmentChildhood Iron NutritionInfant Iron NutritionInfant NeurodevelopmentIron Deficiency In InfancyIron Status In InfancyMaternal Socioeconomic StatusNeonatal Iron Status
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.