Global research landscape and emerging trends in nutritional strategies for childhood iron-deficiency anemia: a bibliometric analysis (2006–2026)

Objective Iron-deficiency anemia is a global public health problem that primarily affects children and impacts their development. However, quantitative analysis of nutritional strategies for the prevention and control of childhood iron-deficiency anemia using bibliometric methods still has limitations. Methods This study analyzed the relevant literature published between 2006 and 2026 in the Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and PubMed databases, and bibliometric mapping was performed using RStudio software (Bibliometrix package) and VOSviewer. Results A total of 1,588 valid articles were identified. The highest volume of scientific output was recorded between 2021 and 2025. The United States accounted for the largest number of publications, followed by India and Canada, revealing limited international collaboration with countries where iron-deficiency anemia is highly prevalent. Nutrients is the leading journal in this field in terms of volume and number of citations, and the primary publishing institution is the University of Toronto, with Zimmermann M. being the most prolific author. The analysis allowed the research to be grouped into three categories: first, community interventions and mass fortification; second, epidemiological consolidation and clinical diagnosis; and third, molecular mechanisms and biomarkers. Conclusion This study identifies established and emerging research priorities in nutritional strategies for childhood iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplementation and food fortification remain relevant, alongside growing interest in individualized approaches. These emerging strategies may complement, rather than replace, established interventions. Further clinical research is needed to establish their effectiveness, safety, and applicability in different pediatric populations.