What is the best indicator that children benefited from a nutrition education program about iron?

The best indicator that children benefited from a nutrition education program about iron is that they select more snacks with iron. This reflects a direct behavioral change resulting from the education provided. By choosing snacks that are higher in iron, children are applying what they learned to their daily food choices, indicating that the program effectively influenced their understanding of iron's importance in their diet.

Behavioral changes, such as selecting healthier snack options, are often the ultimate goal of nutrition education programs. While increased knowledge about iron, through either children or parents, might suggest an understanding of the subject, it does not alone imply that this understanding is being translated into actions. Similarly, normal hemoglobin levels in parents might indicate their own nutritional status but do not necessarily reflect the impact of the program on children’s dietary habits and decisions.

Selecting iron-rich snacks demonstrates a practical application of knowledge and suggests that children are taking steps toward improving their nutritional intake, which is critical for their overall health and development. Therefore, this choice serves as the most effective measure of the program's success.