Approximately 300 million children globally had anaemia in 2011. The most common cause of anaemia is thought to be deficiency in iron, an essential nutrient for development and cell growth in the immune and neural systems, as well as in regulation of energy metabolism and exercise. Iron deficiency can result from inadequate intake or absorption of dietary iron, increased need during periods of growth, and blood loss from helminth* infection or menstruation in adolescent girls.

Iron deficiency anaemia in children has been linked to increased childhood morbidity and impaired cognitive development and school performance. Children between 5 and 12 years of age are at a critical stage of intellectual development, and optimization of their cognitive performance during this period could have life-long benefits.

Evidence has shown that daily iron supplementation in children 5–12 years of age is associated with a reduced risk of iron deficiency and anaemia.

* Helminths are a group of parasites commonly referred to as worms and include schistosomes and soil-transmitted helminths