Improving iron status in children in poor environments

Rigorous review supports the safety of iron interventions among anaemic children

Iron deficiency among children is common, especially in less developed countries, and affects psychomotor development.1 But the potential risk is that improving iron status may stimulate the development of infection. 2 3 Although iron supplements improve cognition and growth 4 5 of deficient children, they can be harmful. Microbial proliferation is influenced by the iron concentration of the culture medium6 and iron supplements can produce oxidative stress.7 Over the years increased infection rates have been reported after iron intervention.8 Bad news always travels …