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Incidence and risk factors of iron deficiency anemia in term infants

Supapan Tantracheewathorn1, Sirin Lohajaroensub

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital, 681 Samsen Rd, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand. supapantan@hotmail.com

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|June 18, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is more common in breast-fed infants than formula-fed infants. Key risk factors for IDA include low birth weight, breastfeeding, and insufficient complementary foods.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a significant global health concern in infants.
  • Breastfeeding is widely recommended, but concerns exist regarding iron sufficiency.
  • Formula-fed infants typically receive iron-fortified formulas.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the incidence of IDA in breast-fed (BF) versus formula-fed (FF) infants.
  • To identify specific risk factors contributing to IDA in infants.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 140 full-term infants (70 BF, 70 FF).
  • Infants were monitored from birth to 12 months for growth and development.
  • Hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume analyzed at 9-12 months; IDA investigated if hemoglobin < 11.0 g/dl.

Main Results:

  • Breast-fed infants showed significantly lower mean hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, and serum ferritin levels compared to formula-fed infants.
  • Anemia prevalence was higher in BF infants (38.6%) than FF infants (14.39%).
  • The incidence of IDA was significantly higher in BF infants (25.7%) versus FF infants (2.9%). Risk factors included low birth weight, breastfeeding, and inadequate complementary food.

Conclusions:

  • IDA is more prevalent in breast-fed infants compared to formula-fed infants.
  • Low birth weight, the practice of breastfeeding, and inadequate iron-rich complementary foods are identified risk factors for IDA.
  • Preventive strategies should focus on iron-rich complementary foods and targeted screening for high-risk infants at 9-12 months.
Abstract

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