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Iron status in breast-fed full-term infants
1Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Turkey.
The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|March 25, 2000
Summary
Exclusively breast-fed infants often show iron deficiency by four months. Iron supplementation is crucial, as complementary foods alone are insufficient to prevent iron deficiency anemia in these babies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Exclusive breastfeeding is common for full-term infants.
- Iron deficiency is a significant concern in exclusively breast-fed infants.
- Assessing iron status is vital for infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate iron status in exclusively breast-fed full-term infants at four months.
- To determine the effectiveness of iron supplementation versus complementary feeding.
- To highlight the importance of iron supplementation for preventing iron deficiency anemia.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 116 term infants from birth.
- Infants were divided into two groups at four months: Group A (complementary food) and Group B (ferrous sulfate supplementation).
- Blood counts, serum iron, and ferritin levels were measured at four and six months.
Main Results:
- At four months, 19.8% of infants had iron deficiency, with 11 cases of iron deficiency anemia.
- At six months, Group A showed 45% iron deficiency and 21.6% iron deficiency anemia.
- Group B showed significantly lower rates: 7.1% iron deficiency and 2.4% iron deficiency anemia (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Exclusive breastfeeding for four months leads to significant iron deficiency and anemia in full-term infants.
- Complementary foods alone are insufficient to address iron needs.
- Iron supplementation is essential for preventing iron deficiency and anemia in this population.