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

ABSTRACT

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