ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the strategies for combatting iron deficiency that have been applied over the past decade in Chile and the studies done in fortifying infant milk formulas, infant weaning cereals, and hemoglobin-fortified cookies for preschool and school age children. It addresses iron supplementation in newborn infants and premature infants. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional disorders. It is prevalent in most of the developing world and it is probably the only nutritional deficiency of consideration in industrialized countries. Recognizing the importance of child development and maternal health to infant wellbeing, the government formulated a legislative policy mandating maternal and child health programs. In conjunction with the milk distribution program, also administered by the Ministry of Health, is the monthly health care program. In 1974, a targeted food distribution program was designed to provide additional foods to indigent families with one or more children with or at risk of malnutrition.
