What is a common prevention strategy for nutrition-related iron deficiency in childhood?

Increasing red meat consumption is an effective strategy for preventing nutrition-related iron deficiency in childhood because red meat is a rich source of heme iron. Heme iron, found in animal products, is more readily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron, which is present in plant-based foods. Iron is crucial for growth and development in children, and ensuring adequate intake through dietary sources, particularly foods rich in heme iron, can help prevent deficiencies.

While daily vitamin supplements are beneficial in some cases, they may not provide sufficient iron compared to dietary sources. Increased dairy intake can actually contribute to iron deficiency because calcium in dairy can inhibit iron absorption. Routine iron monitoring is important for identifying deficiencies but does not actively prevent them. The most proactive approach, particularly in childhood, involves dietary modifications, such as increasing the consumption of iron-rich foods like red meat.