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Effect of vitamin C supplementations on iron deficiency anemia in Chinese children
1Department of Nutrition and Environment Hygiene, Institute of Basic Medicine, Shenyang, China.
Insights
Vitamin C (VC) supplementation effectively treats iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children. A daily dose of 50 mg vitamin C for 6 weeks is most effective for improving hemoglobin and ferritin levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a prevalent nutritional disorder in children.
- Dietary iron absorption is influenced by various factors, including vitamin C intake.
- Optimizing treatment strategies for pediatric IDA is crucial for child development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of vitamin C (VC) supplementation in treating mild iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children.
- To determine the optimal dosage and duration of VC supplementation for IDA therapy.
- To assess the dose-dependent relationship between VC intake and improvement in hematological parameters.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 65 children with mild IDA.
- Participants were assigned to five groups receiving varying daily doses of vitamin C (0, 25, 50, 100, 150 mg) for 8 weeks.
- Weekly monitoring of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin, and hematocrit levels.
Main Results:
- Vitamin C supplementation alone demonstrated a significant and dose-dependent improvement in controlling IDA.
- The most effective therapeutic outcome was observed with a daily intake of 50 mg of vitamin C.
- A treatment duration of 6 weeks was found to be the shortest effective period for IDA therapy.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin C supplementation is a viable and effective monotherapy for mild pediatric iron deficiency anemia.
- A daily dose of 50 mg vitamin C, supplemented for at least 6 weeks, is recommended for optimal treatment.
- In regions with plant-based diets, particularly during winter and spring, targeted vitamin C supplementation is advised for children in northeastern China.
Abstract:
A total of 65 children with mild iron deficiency anemia (IDA) were divided into 5 groups, and received 0, 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg/day of vitamin C (VC) respectively every day for 8 weeks. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin, free erythrocyte and hematocrit were determined every week. At a daily average intake of about 30 mg of VC and 7.5 mg of Fe, the results of the study indicate that: (1) VC supplement alone could effectively control children's IDA, and a dose-dependent relationship was observed. (2) 50 mg/day of VC is the most efficient dosage and 6 weeks is the shortest time for an effective therapy. (3) With a diet predominantly comprised of plant foods, it is suggested that appropriate dose of VC should be supplemented for the children during winter and spring in northeastern areas of China.
