Introduction. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide (1-3).Children less than 5 years are the most affected(4). Almost 24% of Mexican children 1-4 years of age are anemic and 52% iron deficient (5). The peak prevalence of anemia (38%) occurs in children 12-23 months of age (6). The prevalence is higher in low socioeconomic households (29 %) but remains high even in the highest quintile (17%). Anemia and iron deficiency in infants and young children are associated with adverse effects on neurodevelopment (7-12).