Abstract:
Objective: This study aims to analyze nutritional strategies for preventing iron
deficiency in the first year of life. Methodology: A literature review was conducted,
analyzing articles published between 2017 and 2025 in the Google Scholar, Lilacs,
ResearchGate, and Scielo databases, addressing maternal and infant care,
breastfeeding, iron supplementation, and public health actions. Results and
discussion: The results indicate that iron deficiency anemia remains prevalent in
Brazilian children, especially in the first years, influenced by socioeconomic factors,
poor diet, low adherence to supplementation, and maternal conditions. Strategies
include: exclusive breastfeeding until six months, adequate introduction of solid
foods, prophylactic iron supplementation, nutritional education, training of health
professionals, strengthening of public programs, food fortification, and continuous
monitoring in well-child visits. Conclusion: It is concluded that prevention depends
on the articulation between public policies, clinical practices, nutritional guidance,
and family engagement in the first 1,000 days of life. Adopting integrated actions is
fundamental to reducing the prevalence of iron deficiency and promoting healthy
growth and development in childhood.
