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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/119072
Are Infants Less than 6 Months of Age a Neglected Group for Anemia Prevention in Low-Income Countries?
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Anemia is a major public health problem that affects mainly
children, predominantly in low-income countries and most often
due to iron deficiency (ID). Administration of iron supplements
to prevent and treat ID anemia in malaria endemic areas has been
controversial for decades; however, recent World Health
Organization guidelines recommend universal iron supplementation
for children in highly prevalent anemia settings, including
those where malaria is endemic. However, infants younger than 6
months of age have been exempted from this recommendation
because ID is not considered prevalent at this age and because
of assumptions-without evidence-that they are protected from ID
through breast milk. To achieve full impact of anemia prevention
targeting infants less than 6 months of age who are at highest
risk of ID, operational studies that conclusively demonstrate
the effectiveness and safety of delivering iron supplements to
young infants in settings with a high burden of infectious
diseases, including malaria, are needed.
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MORALEDA REDECILLA, Cinta, et al. Are Infants Less than 6 Months of Age a Neglected Group for
Anemia Prevention in Low-Income Countries?. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2017. ISSN 0002-9637. [consulted: 26 of October of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/119072