The micronutrient malnutrition (MM) is widespread over the
world, but developing regions are the most affected. From a public
health point of view, MM is a concern not only for the large number
of people affected, but also because it remains a risk factor for many
diseases . Iron (Fe) deficiency is considered the most
prevalent of the MM, showing a continuous increase in its prevalence,
representing the main nutritional deficiency problem in
terms of magnitude and spatial distribution . At present, it is estimated
that 2 billion people, or over 30% of the world population, are
anemic, mainly due to Fe deficiency and this situation is further
magnified in low-income areas with a high incidence of infectious
diseases that contribute to the high prevalence of anemia according
to World Health Organization .