[Measuring iron levels relative to the type of milk consumed within a population of 16 to 18 month old French infants]. / Statut martial d'une population d'enfants franciliens âgés de 16 à 18 mois en fonction du type de lait consommé.

The aim of this work was to study the consumption of different kinds of milk by a population of 16-18 month old children, and to compare the iron deficiency prevalence with the type of milk consumed. The study was carried out in 2002, and it involved 588 children who underwent medical check-ups at a social insurance paediatric clinic in Paris. Blood samples were collected from all of the participating children. 55% of the children drank iron-enriched milk, and this percentage increases in children who come from a higher level of socio-economic status and environment. The consumption of iron-enriched milk is a major factor in the protection against iron-deficiency anaemia and depleted iron supplies. The results suggest that much greater efforts are required for improving prevention programmes and initiatives, particularly in socially vulnerable or marginalised populations.