Balancing Safety and Potential for Impact in Universal Iron Interventions

Abstract

Almost 300 million children under 5 years of age are anemic worldwide. International policymakers recommend universal distribution of iron-based interventions - either iron supplements or iron-containing multiple micronutrient powders - to alleviate the burden of anemia in young children. When considering whether to implement universal iron interventions, it is essential to balance the putative benefits with possible risks. The key rationale for deploying universal iron interventions to reduce anemia in young children is to improve development, growth, and well-being. While plausible, few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of iron interventions have carefully assessed these outcomes and the..