Iron Deficiency and Feeding Practices in Infants and Young Children

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficient disorder in infants and young children. Iron deficiency at this age group can cause seroius effects on mental and psychomotor development. The object of this study is to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and evaluate its relationship with diet during the weaning period. METHODS: We conducted blood tests on 247 healthy, 5-24 months olds, who visited DongBu Municipal Hospital and the local health center for immunizations. One hundred and fifty-two children also had serum iron, TIBC, transferrin-saturation and serum ferritin tested. Mothers of 129 children answered a questionnaire about feeding practices and their children were divided into 3 groups according to age; groupl (5-11 mon.), groupll (12-17 mon.), grouplll (18-24 mon.). RESULTS: Out of the total number of subjects 7.3% (n=18) was anemic (Hbg<11g/dl) and the highest 9.4% was in groupl (5-11 mon.). Among 152, 32.2% (n=49) were in an iron deficient state (ferritin<10ng/ml). In group lll, 57.5% (23/40) were iron deficient. Transferrin saturation<10% was 13.8% (21/152) and ferritin<10ng/ml and/or TS<10% was 37.5%. Analysis of questionnaires is as follows Total daily caloric intake was 771.9 +/- 264.0 Cal on average. Average daily iron intake was 5.5 +/- 2.7 mg, about half the recommended dietary allowance of 10mg. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of iron deficiency was high (32.9%) in 5-24 months olds. Because iron deficiency without anemia was 27.0%, we recommend to add serum ferritin to routine Hb indices test for iron deficiency evaluation. As average iron intake in weaning period was much less than recommended, it seems appropriate to emphasize feeding iron rich weaning foods.