Prevalence, consequences and prevention of childhood nutritional iron deficiency: a child public health perspective.

The true extent of nutritional iron deficiency (ID) in childhood is unclear because of uncertainty over its definition and the insensitivity of markers of ID. The major cause is likely to be the excessive and early use of cow's milk. Recent neurophysiological observations support the many field studies correlating ID with cognitive developmental delays. Prevention is best sought through supplementation of essential foods.