It is caused by a high requirement for iron due to rapid growth, a lack of iron in the diet and/or poor bioavailability of the dietary iron. ID in its pronounced form causes anemia (IDA) and is a risk factor for poor health [2].
IDA may, in turn, cause delays in cognitive and motor development [3], and
these impairments appear to be irreversible, i.e. even with iron treatment
can the deficits be manifested at older age. To prevent these long-term effects on the development, the provision of iron supplements [4] or fortification [5] of commonly used foods is recommended, coupled with dietary advice on how to select iron-rich foods.