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Effects of mode of oral iron administration on serum ferritin and haemoglobin in infants

Magnus Domellöf1, Torbjörn Lind, Bo Lönnerdal

  • 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. magnus.domellof@pediatri.umu.se

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|June 21, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Iron-fortified foods (FFs) improved hemoglobin (Hb) levels in infants, while medicinal iron drops (MD) primarily boosted iron stores. Both interventions were compared for infant iron status.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Hematology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Iron deficiency is a global health concern in infants.
  • Optimal iron supplementation strategies are crucial for infant development.
  • Understanding the differential effects of iron sources is important.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of iron-fortified foods (FFs) and medicinal iron drops (MD) on infant iron status.
  • To evaluate iron utilization for hemoglobin synthesis versus iron storage.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study analyzing data from medicinal iron drops (MD) and iron-fortified foods (FF) studies.
  • Infants (6-9 months) categorized into MD, FF, and low iron (LI) groups based on iron intake and source.
  • Iron intake levels and iron status markers (hemoglobin, ferritin) were assessed.

Main Results:

  • The iron-fortified foods (FF) group showed significantly higher mean hemoglobin (Hb) at 9 months compared to MD and LI groups.
  • The medicinal iron drops (MD) group exhibited significantly higher mean ferritin (SF) at 9 months compared to FF and LI groups.
  • Mean iron intake was comparable between MD and FF groups but lower in the LI group.

Conclusions:

  • Iron-fortified foods (FFs) are more effective for Hb synthesis in infants.
  • Medicinal iron drops (MD) primarily contribute to iron stores.
  • Findings suggest distinct roles for different iron delivery methods in infant iron status.
Abstract

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