Every year, the growth and development of millions of children is held back by a condition that is both widespread and preventable: iron deficiency anemia .   It’s not just common—it’s a silent barrier to growth, learning, and health for millions of children worldwide, as a result of low awareness, insufficient screening, and inadequate nutrition. Iron Deficiency Anemia affects nearly 40% of children under 5 years old worldwide*. Despite its prevalence, it remains largely overlooked.

Early Life—from conception to a child’s second birthday—is the foundation for lifelong health. Iron is essential for brain development and energy. When iron intake is inadequate, the consequences are profound impaired learning, stunted growth, and long-term health challenges.

At Danone we are convinced nutrition is at the foundation of health and wellbeing. By making iron status a priority in early life nutrition strategies, we can unlock a future where every child has the foundation to grow, learn, and thrive—free from the limitations of a condition that can be avoided through systematic screening and effective and timely nutritional support.

Iron deficiency anemia in early life can be prevented through screening, promoting balanced diets, access to fortified foods, and preventive care. Yet it remains underprioritized in policy and practice.  Collectively, we need to shift this, as preventing iron deficiency anemia is more than a medical intervention or a policy; it’s an investment in the future of today’s children.

In June 2025, Danone launched Iron Up!, the first global program of its kind dedicated to combatting IDA in young children. Building on the work we have done for decades in addressing this public health challenge,
Iron Up! calls for collective action across three pillars:

• Making IDA top of mind
  Raising awareness and empowering parents, caregivers and healthcare professionals (HCPs), and policymakers to take action. Bringing IDA risk assessment into childcare through non-invasive tools—contributing to the screening of over 2,5 million children around the world.

• Partnering for a systematic change
  Working with governments, NGOs and academia to support training to health workers, strengthen data systems, and integrate screening into established care pathways.

• Offering superior, affordable, and science-based solutions.
  Innovating iron-rich solutions with nutrients that support iron absorption in our products -because iron only makes a difference when the body can absorb and use it.

The right nutrition in early life contributes to life-long health. Addressing public health challenges like iron deficiency anemia, gives all children a chance to thrive today and tomorrow. At Danone we are committed to collaboration at scale and take action together for an Iron Strong Generation.