Effect of intake of iron-fortified milk on levels of ferritin and hemoglobin in preschoolers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Food fortification is often the simplest way to increase iron intake on a broad and sustainable basis. It is one of the most cost-effective global development efforts. To systematize data from randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials investigating the effect of consumption of iron-fortified milk (IFM) on serum iron status in preschoolers. The trials were systematically searched in five electronic databases that evaluated the effect of iron-fortified milk (IFM) consumption on hemoglobin and ferritin in children aged 1–6 years. The randomized the meta-analysis model was used to calculate total and stratified effects. Seven trials representing 1210 preschoolers showed a significant effect of IFM on hemoglobin [difference in means (MD) 0.33 g/dL (95% CI 0.23, 0.44; I2 = 3.85%, p (Q statistic)