Reducing the prevalence of iron inadequacy in infants and toddlers: study shows how infant cereals could make an ideal vehicle for iron fortification

Do you want to learn more about the recent research by the OzFITs team on iron intake and dietary modelling? Tune into this intriguing conversation with Dr Tim Green as we explore the study findings which revealed 75% of infants (aged 6-12 months) and 25% of toddlers have inadequate iron intake. Tim shares how iron-fortified infant cereals could be a simple way to reduce the prevalence of iron inadequacy. Tim covers other interesting points including how iron-fortified infant cereals didn’t displace other nutrients and the importance of providing infants and toddlers with a variety of iron-rich foods to ensure they are exposed to different tastes and textures. 

 

Biography

Dr Tim Green joined the South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Women and Kids Theme in January 2016. Previously he was a Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of British Columbia (BC) in Canada and a Scientist at BC’s Child & Family Research Institute. His research focuses on micronutrients in pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, lactation, and early life (First 1000 days) with studies conducted in every continent. His group seeks to: identify micronutrient deficiencies through nutrition surveys; better define micronutrient requirements and pregnancy outcomes in these groups through RCTs; and develop sustainable strategies to improve micronutrient status.

 

In this episode, we discuss:

  • The importance of iron during the first 1000 days of life
  • Reasons behind the high prevalence of iron inadequacy from the recent OzFITs study
  • What are the current infant feeding guidelines and are they being followed?
  • Discrepancies with the estimated average requirements of iron in this population group
  • The role iron-fortified infant cereals could play in reducing iron inadequacy
  • What are the next research questions and where can dietitians go for support

Additional resources

Podcast: Diving into infant and toddler nutrition: The OzFITS Study

Special Issue “The Australian Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (OZFITS), 2021”

This podcast is not, and is not intended to be, medical advice, which should be tailored to your individual circumstances. This podcast is for your information only, and we advise that you exercise your own judgment before deciding to use the information provided. Professional medical advice should be obtained before taking action.  Please see here for terms and conditions.

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