Role of iron zinc supplementation in the growth retardation and iron deficiency anaemia in Egyptian children

The aim of this study was to test the effect of the supplementation of iron and zinc, both acting synergistically in tasty and appealing candy form, to improve the anemic state and the somatic growth of the children. Each candy contains 4 mg iron [FeSO4, 7-H2O], 4 mg zinc and enough citric acid to attain pH 5.5. Each child was given a candy three times per day. Eighteen iron deficiency anemic patients were studied, their mean age was 3.70 +/- 0.71 years, only twelve children completed the study, which continued for one month. Relevant anthropometric measurements were done including height, weight, head, chest and mid arm circumferences; also skinfold measurements like triceps, subscapular and suprailiac were measured. Also, the mid arm fat area [MAFA] and mid arm muscle area [MAMA] were calculated. Twenty-four-hour dietary intake as reported from the mothers was assessed, then macro and micronutrients were calculated. Hemoglobin level, red blood cells count [RBCs] and serum iron were analyzed. All these parameters were done just before and after supplementation

effect of adding lemon juice or mint to tea or fenugreek on iron absorption

The effect of each of tea and fenugreek beverages on intestinal iron absorption was tested on rats. Absorption tests were done in tied off intestinal segments in vivo. The tied off segments included the duodenum and the front part of jejunum. The effect of addition of lemon juice or mint to these beverages were also tested. The results show that tea and fenugreek hinder the absorption of iron. Addition of lemon juice to tea beverage slightly improved the absorption of iron. Lemon juice appreciably promoted the absorption of iron from fenugreek. Mint did not improve absorption of iron from tea. It is recommended to add lemon juice to tea or fenugreek beverage to minimize the hindering action of these two beverages on absorption of iron