Significant heterogeneity was evident , and its predictors included greater weight-for-age in supplemented children in malaria hyperendemic regions and greater weight-for-height for children above 5 years of age , but a negative effect on linear growth in developed countries and with supplementation for 6 months or longer .
This review did not document a positive effect of iron supplementation on the physical growth of children .
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of iron supplementation on  physical growth in children through a systematic review of r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) .
Follow‐on formula in the prevention of iron deficiency: a multicentre study
Abstract Six‐month‐old infants were recruited at 21 centres in the UK and Irel and and r and omly assigned to receive matching iron‐fortified ( 12.3 mg/l iron ) or non‐fortified ( 1.4 mg/l iron ) formula for 9 months . Infants already receiving cow 's milk continued this feed . Haematological indices and iron status were evaluated at age 6 months , 9–10 months and 15 months . Four hundred and six infants entered and 302 completed the study . There were no differences between the groups for increases in weight , head circumference or length . Significant differences between the groups were observed at 15 months for haemoglobin , serum ferritin , serum iron and total iron binding capacity . Haemoglobin levels were < 110 g/l in 33 % of infants fed cow 's milk compared with 13 % and 11 % in those receiving non‐iron‐fortified and iron‐fortified formula respectively . The corresponding figures for serum ferritin < 10 µg/l were 43 % , 22 % and 6 % . Follow‐on formula provides an acceptable vehicle for preventing iron deficiency in this vulnerable group
Significant heterogeneity was evident , and its predictors included greater weight-for-age in supplemented children in malaria hyperendemic regions and greater weight-for-height for children above 5 years of age , but a negative effect on linear growth in developed countries and with supplementation for 6 months or longer .
This review did not document a positive effect of iron supplementation on the physical growth of children .
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of iron supplementation on  physical growth in children through a systematic review of r and omised controlled trials ( RCTs ) .