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 Survey guides Canada Beef’s efforts in communicating the importance of iron in infant diets Health Canada’s infant feeding guidelines recommend that an infant’s first solid foods be iron-rich, calling out meats like beef as a best source of high-quality iron to meet babies’ needs. While this guidance was published in 2012, previous research has shown that this recommendation is still not widely understood or being adopted. To better understand parents’ gaps in knowledge, Canada Beef’s Health & Nutrition team commissioned a national study with Leger Marketing on this topic. The survey, which captured responses from 353 Canadian moms, found significant shortfalls in the understanding and awareness of the guidelines, including a lack of understanding of the potential impact of iron deficiency on babies’ development and a lack of awareness about the best food sources of iron. These results are extremely valuable in helping to guide Canada Beef’s efforts to communicate the value that beef plays in the diet of Canadians. Infant feeding has been a key strategy for the Heath & Nutrition team since the Heath Canada guidelines were released in 2012, and this research validates the continued focus on delivering the message that beef is an ideal first food for babies. Here are some highlights of the findings: 50% of respondents were unaware that iron deficiency in infants is associated with irreversible developmental delays. 47% unaware the risk of iron deficiency increases from 6 to 12 months of age. 63% unaware that high intakes of cow’s milk is a risk factor for iron deficiency. 46% believe that food before age 1 is mostly for fun; parents are unaware that the need for iron is the primary reason infants need solid food introduced starting at 6 months of age. The survey also showed low awareness of when parents can introduce meat to their babies. More than half of respondents (61%) didn’t know that Health Canada recommends meat as a first solid food for babies. The survey also found that many Canadians don’t know which foods are the best sources of iron. When shown a list of iron-containing foods, 76% did not identify beef as the best source of iron. 45% did not know that the iron in meats (“heme iron”) is better absorbed than the iron found in plant-based foods (“non-heme iron”). Nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents thought that vegetables are the best source of iron. Dark green vegetables, such as spinach, contain iron, but less than the amount of iron in meat and less easily absorbed. These research results and findings will be presented to health professionals this year via several mechanisms, including articles in trade journals, through health professional conferences and on the website. Find baby and iron resources at the following links. Baby and iron brochure Baby recipe booklet Baby landing page Back to main page KARINE REKUNYK Director, Health and Nutrition

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