Transferrin receptor in children and its correlation with iron status and types of milk consumption

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Iron Metabolism
• Hematology

Background:

• Iron deficiency is a common concern in early childhood.
• Dietary factors, including milk consumption, can influence iron status.
• Transferrin receptor (TfR) is a sensitive indicator of iron status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare transferrin receptor (TfR) concentrations with iron parameters in relation to cow's milk and follow-on formula intake in children.
• To investigate the association between milk consumption and iron status indicators.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed TfR, beta-hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in 263 children aged 2.5 years.
• Quantified cow's milk and follow-on formula consumption.
• Correlated TfR levels with iron parameters and milk intake.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in TfR/log ferritin concentrations were observed based on milk intake levels (<500 ml vs. >=500 ml).
• Children with lower red blood cell MCV (< or = 75 fl) showed significantly higher TfR/log ferritin values.
• TfR concentrations decreased significantly after iron therapy.

Conclusions:

• Elevated TfR concentrations correlate with reduced hemoglobin and MCV, suggesting impaired iron status.
• Cow's milk consumption is associated with an increased risk of higher TfR/log ferritin ratios.
• Iron therapy effectively lowers TfR concentrations, confirming its utility in managing iron status.