Iron Absorption in Haiti

Mother-child pairs will be recruited!

Inclusion criteria

for mothers :

• Women of reproductive age (18 to 45 years)
• Generally healthy
• Consenting to study participation

Exclusion criteria

for mothers :

• Pregnancy or lactation
• Weight >65 kg
• Chronic illnesses which may influence iron absorption
• Severe anemia (Hb<10 g/dl)

Inclusion criteria

for children:

• Age 4 years +/- 12 months
• Generally healthy

Exclusion criteria

for children :

• Severe anemia (Hb<10 g/dl)
• Weight for height < -2 Z scores (wasting)
• Height of age < -2 Z score (stunting)

Furthermore, the following exclusion criteria apply to both mothers and children :

• Chronic illnesses or medication which may influence iron absorption (will be judged by investigator)
• Consumption of vitamin or mineral supplement (unless they agree to discontinue using them two weeks before beginning of the study until the las visit)
• Allergies or intolerances relevant to the test meal (gluten)
• Blood donation or major blood losses during the 2 months prior to the study
• Illness during the 4 weeks prior to the study (will be judged by investigator)