Meat product benefits in children and adolescents

Consumption of meat products has been declining for some years among children and adolescents, motivated by moral and environmental arguments. The supply of properly absorbable iron is the main nutritional benefit of meat. To cover their iron needs, the French Society of Pediatrics recommends that children and adolescents consume 2 meat products per day. The risks of iron deficiency with its haematological, immunological and neuro-psychic consequences are increased in those who do not respect this recommendation. There are no documented risks in pediatrics associated with consumption of meat products at such recommended amounts. There is an urgent need to reverse the trend among young people to reduce their meat consumption.