The present invention relates to fermented nutritional compositions comprising high concentration of lactosem such as 6 grams per 100 ml, and optionally non-digestible oligosaccharides, such as galactooligosaccharides or fructooligosaccharides for improving the bioavailability of iron and preventing or treating of iron deficiency (anaemia), in particular for infants and young children or pregnant women. In another aspect of the invention, the nutritional composition are used for preventing cognitive disorders and/or socio-emotional disorders in an infant and/or young child.