Young Child Formula: The Latest Recommendations & Practical Applications

In this new series of NNI Bites, Big Learnings, we are featuring episodes covering the NNI & WNSC Workshop 103. In this episode, Professor Raanan Shamir speaks with Professor Patrick Tounian about the role of young child formula in meeting the nutritional needs of toddlers beyond infancy. Professor Tounian explains that without young child formula, it is remarkably difficult for toddlers to meet their daily iron requirements through diet alone, and that untreated iron deficiency in early life can lead to irreversible neurological damage and lifelong cognitive impairment. He recommends young child formula until children are able to consume adequate amounts of meat — typically not before three to six years of age — and also highlights the importance of plant oils and fatty fish in meeting essential fatty acid and DHA needs.