This review was elaborated in order to contribute to the planning of strategies for controlling iron deficiency anemia in developing countries. The need for intervention should be determined by the degree of iron deficiency in the individual group and knowledge of its effects on quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. The most frequent approach is to provide iron supplementation during pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood as a basic primary healthcare measure. Fortification and dietary modification are complementary approaches, and should be developed.