Iron status alters susceptibility to gastrointestinal lead exposure; absorption of lead is sharply increased in children with IDA. IDA upregulates the divalent metal transporter trans-port protein (DMT-1) and increases lead absorption. Thus, iron fortification to reduce IDA may also reduce lead absorption and be an effective strategy to accompany environmental lead abatement. The optimal iron compound for wheat flour is currently debated, and although elemental iron compounds are commonly used, they may be only poorly absorbed in the face of inhibitory compounds found in wheat flour.