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[Hemoglobin concentration in children from birth to one year of age]

Sophia Cornbluth Szarfarc1, Sonia Buongermino de Souza, Rosemeire Aparecida Victória Furumoto

  • 1Departamento de Nutrição, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

Cadernos De Saude Publica
|March 19, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Infant anemia is prevalent in Brazil, affecting over 50% of 6-12 month olds. Low birth weight increases risk, while breastfeeding is protective in early months, but complementary foods show no impact on hemoglobin levels.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration is a critical indicator of infant health.
  • Understanding factors influencing Hb levels is vital for early childhood development programs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolution of hemoglobin concentration in infants.
  • To identify the influence of birth weight, growth rate, and food intake on infant Hb levels.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study design involving infants under 1 year of age.
  • Data collected through public health services across Brazil's five geographic regions.
  • Hemoglobin concentration estimated using theoretical equations and analyzed in relation to growth parameters and diet.

Main Results:

  • Anemia prevalence was 51.7% in infants aged 6 to 12 months.
  • Low birth weight infants exhibited a higher prevalence of reduced Hb levels.
  • Breastfeeding was associated with adequate Hb in early months, but complementary foods did not significantly influence Hb concentration.
  • Growth rate was not found to be a relevant factor for hemoglobin concentration.

Conclusions:

  • Endogenous iron supports normal Hb levels in the first three months of life.
  • High anemia prevalence underscores the need for targeted public health interventions.
  • Nutritional strategies should focus on early life iron status, considering birth weight and breastfeeding practices.

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