Prevention and control of iron deficiency: priorities and action steps.

The strengthening of global efforts to prevent and control iron deficiency requires priority setting and action steps in several key areas, including research, partnership formation, policy setting and the integration of intervention strategies. Research priorities include the development of improved assessment tools, evaluation of fortification strategies, improvement in interventions for infants, evaluation of combined intervention strategies to address multiple micronutrients and development and testing of interventions using genetically engineered foods with improved nutritional qualities. Policy priorities include the expansion of partnerships, balancing of advocacy, research and program implementation, and improved communications. Priorities in partnership formation include building strong linkages between public sector efforts and the food industry to enhance training, technical expertise and advocacy. Strategies to address iron deficiency should seek to integrate efforts in food fortification, supplementation, dietary improvement and complementary public health measures.