I am not addressing the blanket recommendations by (one part of) the AAP, only what individuals can do if they question the need for iron supplementation for a child.  Measuring the child's hemoglobin level or even the child's iron stores is not complicated.   If a simple finger stick shows a low value, the child could have a more exact test done before supplementation is considered.  It's not rocket science nor is it much more invasive than giving supplements routinely.
Recommendations for a population are one thing.  The individuals in the population will have to make their own decisions about whether to follow them or not, based on their own situation.
Rachel Myr
Kristiansand, Norway

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