Impact of a food-based approach to improve iron nutrition of at-risk infants in northern Canada

Background We evaluated the impact of a food-based approach in promoting iron-rich complementary feeding for mothers with infants at-risk for iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Methods A repeat cross-sectional design was used to assess the impact of communication strategies to disseminate key messages promoting iron-rich complementary food. Two groups of mothers with infants, aged 7–10 months, at Time 1 (n = 32; response rate = 64%) and Time 2 (n = 22; response rate = 48%) were interviewed. Main outcome variables were infantsʹ total iron and complementary food iron intakes measured by two 24-h recalls. Results Complementary food iron intake increased between Time 1 (3.2 ± 0.8 mg) and Time 2 (4.4 ± 1.1 mg) (P < 0.05). The estimated prevalence of inadequacy was 56% (95% CI = 38%, 74%) for infants at Time 1 and 41% (95% CI = 20%, 62%) for infants at Time 2; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions A food-based approach, promoted in a community with infants at-risk for IDA, can positively contribute to improved intake of complementary food iron as well as provide a sustainable and relevant prevention strategy.