Importance of Iron

Brain & Cognitive Development - BabyMatters

The first 8 years are crucial for a baby's brain growth, forming the basis for future learning. Movement, language, emotion, and problem-solving are vital brain functions. By age 3, the brain is 80% its adult size, doubling in the first year. Interaction, play, and care aid brain development, while breastfeeding and nutrition (iron,…

Brain & Cognitive Development BabyMatters Importance of Iron

Gerber Nutrition at ASN 2023

This July, Gerber participated in the American Society for Nutrition Conference which explored developments in clinical and translational nutrition, food science and systems, diet and disease, basic science, and global health and brought together clinicians, policy experts, and the media to network and learn.

FITS Dietary Guidelines Importance of Iron

FITS Data on Breastfeeding & Iron Intake

Starting around 6 months, infants need iron from foods to meet their iron needs and ensure adequate iron intakes to minimize the risk of iron deficiency and associated developmental delays. Based on NHANES data, 15.1% of children 1-2 years of age are iron deficient (Gupta, 2017).

FITS Breastfeeding Support Importance of Iron Dietary Guidelines Incorporating Cereals & Purees

Infant Cereal is a Top Food Source of Key Nutrients

At the American Society for Nutrition Conference, Gerber presented their poster for a study determining the top food sources for iron, calcium, folic acid, and vitamin C in infants ages 6 to 11.9 months old. Complementary food sources consisted of infant cereals (iron, folic acid, and calcium), 100% juice and fortified fruit purees…

FITS Importance of Iron

Factors Impacting Iron Status in Infants

Adequate iron status in the first years of life is essential to brain and cognitive development. The effects of inadequate iron intake even without anemia are detrimental to a child's development. Identifying infants at risk for low iron intake early and monitoring into toddlerhood are important steps to help ensure healthy brain and…

Importance of Iron Incorporating Cereals & Purees Breastfeeding Support

Dietary Guidelines Focusing on Infants & Toddler Recommendations

Good nutrition plays a critical role in the optimal development of infants and toddlers and it is imperative that all healthcare professionals support parents and caregivers in their efforts to incorporate healthy dietary patterns from birth. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide advice on what to eat and drink to meet nutrient…

Dietary Guidelines Importance of Iron Vitamin D

Feeding Infants & Toddlers Study

The Nestlé Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) is the largest and most comprehensive dietary intake study focused on infants, toddlers and preschoolers in the U.S. Started in 2002 by Gerber and now conducted by the Nestlé Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, FITS has surveyed nearly 10,000 parents and caregivers over three…

FITS Importance of Iron