Introduction
Iron deficiency is the most widespread nutritional
disorder in the world and is also the most important
cause of anemia [1]. Iron deficiency causes poor health,
leading to impaired cognitive performance, growth,
and work performance as well as increased risk of
infections, perinatal mortality, low birthweight, and
premature birth [2-6]. Among women, anemia contributes
to about 20% of all maternal deaths in Africa
and Asia, and productivity losses due to iron deficiency
are estimated at 0.9% of the gross domestic product in
developing country regions