<p><strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>Iron deficiency anemia affects millions of children worldwide. Iron intake assessments can inform targeted interventions.</p>

<p><strong>METHODS: </strong>This cross-sectional study describes diet and hemoglobin levels of children 1-5&nbsp;y of age in a resource-limited setting in the Dominican Republic. The study team performed meal observations and measurements, dietary questionnaires, and point-of-care hemoglobin testing.</p>

<p><strong>RESULTS: </strong>Iron intake and bioavailability were low, with liberal estimates indicating that not more than 40% of subjects consumed the recommended daily allowance for iron. Forty of 80 children had anemia, with 23% demonstrating moderate or severe anemia.</p>

<p><strong>CONCLUSIONS: </strong>Poor observed iron intake likely contributes to the high prevalence of anemia in this population.</p>