Young children formula consumption and iron deficiency at 24 months in the general population: A national-level study

Background & aims Iron deficiency (ID) is considered the most frequent micronutrient in industrialized countries where strategies for its primary prevention vary widely and are insufficiently evaluated. We aimed to study effectiveness iron status of a national strategy based on recommendations young-child formula (YCF) use after age 12 months, taking into consideration other sources family's socio-economic status. Methods In cross-sectional observational conducted care pediatrician offices throughout France from 2016 2017, infants aged 24 months were consecutively included food survey blood sampling. Associations between YCF consumption serum ferritin (SF) level studied by multivariable regression adjustment sociodemographic, perinatal dietary characteristics, notably intakes iron. Results Among 561 analyzed, ID prevalence was 6.6% (37/561; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.7–9.0). Daily intake excluding total daily including below 5-mg/day recommended average requirements 63% 18% children, respectively. frequency significantly decreased (or SF independently higher) with any 10 (odds ratio 0.15, CI 0.07–0.31), current at (median 29 vs 21 ?g/L if none), prolonged (28 >12 17 increasing volume consumed small (e.g., <100 mL/day none). Conclusions Current or past associated better than non-use. The recommending weaning seems effective general population. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02484274.