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Prevalence of iron deficiency in children 6-24 months in Lagos
I B Fajolu1, O A Grange, J K Renner
1General Hospital Isolo.
Insights
Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is highly prevalent in infants and toddlers, particularly before 12 months. Low intake of iron-rich foods like animal protein and vegetables is significantly linked to IDA in young children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a significant global health issue, especially in developing nations.
- Infants and toddlers represent a vulnerable population group highly susceptible to IDA.
- This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of IDA in children aged 6-24 months.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in infants and toddlers.
- To identify dietary and demographic factors associated with IDA in this age group.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 282 apparently healthy children aged 6-24 months.
- Haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serum ferritin (SF), and transferrin saturation (TS) were measured.
- Dietary intake was assessed using diet records.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of anaemia (79.1%) was observed, with 14.9% diagnosed with IDA.
- Children with IDA were significantly younger (mean age 8.96 months) than those without.
- Inadequate weekly intake (less than three times) of vegetables and animal protein were strongly associated with IDA.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a high prevalence of IDA in infants and toddlers, particularly before 12 months of age.
- Limited consumption of iron-rich foods, including animal protein and vegetables, is a key factor associated with IDA.
- Dietary interventions emphasizing iron-rich foods post-exclusive breastfeeding are crucial for reducing IDA prevalence.
Background:
Iron deficiency is the commonest cause of nutritional anaemia in children worldwide particularly in developing countries. Infants and toddlers are prone to developing iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of IDA and some factors associated with it in this group of children.
Study Design:
Haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) estimations carried out in 282 apparently well children aged 6-24 months. Estimations of serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin saturation (TS) were also determined in children with anaemia (Hb concentration < 11.0 g/dl). Information on current diet was also obtained using a diet record.
Results:
Two hundred and twenty three (79.1%) children had anaemia. The mean Hb concentrations of all the age groups were less than 11.0 g/dl. Forty (14.9%) children had IDA (defined as aneamia plus 2 or more of the following--MCV < 70fl, Ts < 10% or SF < 10 microg/dL). The mean age of children with IDA (8.96 +/- 2.54 months) was statistically lower than for those without the condition 10.94 +/- 4.55 months (p = 0.016). Inclusion of vegetables and animal protein less than three times a week in the diet were both significantly associated with IDA.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of IDA in this study is high especially before the age of 12 months and an average weekly intake less than 3 times a week or iron rich foods like animal protein and vegetables was significantly associated with IDA. Emphasis should be on the inclusion of iron rich foods in the diet following exclusive breastfeeding to reduce the prevalence of IDA in these children.
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