Risks of routine iron and folic acid supplementation for young children

Abstract

Context: Almost 70% of young children in India are anemic. Current policy recommends routine iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation to all under 5 children. A potential risk of this approach is an increase in infectious diseases in general, and malaria in particular. Evidence acquisition: An extensive literature search including PubMed, the World Health Organization (WHO) document library, and the Indian Government database, for documents regarding IFA supplementation in under-5 children. Results: Previously, systematic reviews had suggested adverse effects of IFA supplementation in malaria endemic settings. However, a recent large trial in Tanzania has found clear evidence of increased morta..