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[Evaluation of nutritional status using blood parameters in bottle-fed infants after the introduction of a new system
1Detské oddelenie polikliniky Okresného ústavu národnénho zdravia, Martin.
Insights
The introduction of an iron-enriched infant formula significantly reduced sideropenic anemia in infants. This study highlights the importance of adequate iron intake for preventing anemia in artificially fed babies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Prolonged breastfeeding efforts have been ongoing.
- An infant feeding system was innovated in 1968.
- Sideropenic anemia is a concern in artificially fed infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of sideropenic anemia in infants fed different formulas.
- To assess the impact of an iron-enriched formula on infant hematological parameters.
- To evaluate changes in anemia rates over time following feeding system innovations.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of two groups of mothers (1974 vs. 1986-1987).
- Collection of blood samples from 703 artificially fed infants (3-12 months).
- Analysis of hemoglobin (Hb), erythrocytes (Er), hematocrit (Ht), serum iron (SFe), and total iron-binding capacity (CVK).
- Calculation of red blood cell indices and iron saturation of transferrin.
Main Results:
- The frequency of sideropenic anemia in artificially fed infants declined in the basic group compared to earlier periods.
- At 4-6 months, 15% of infants in the basic group (iron-enriched formula) had anemia, versus 29% in the group receiving a diluted formula.
- Higher iron intake from the enriched formula is associated with reduced anemia incidence.
Conclusions:
- The iron-enriched infant formula contributed to a decline in sideropenic anemia.
- Adequate iron supplementation is crucial for preventing anemia in artificially fed infants.
- Innovations in infant feeding systems can positively impact infant health outcomes.
Abstract:
The author presents the results of several years' efforts of paediatricians to prolong breastfeeding. He compares a group of 1970 mothers in 1974 with a group of 1550 mothers in 1986-1987. After introduction of the innovated infant feeding system (1968) they collected blood samples from 703 normal artificially fed infants aged 3-12 months fed during the second trimester dried undiluted "Sunar" milk, enriched with 4 mg Fe/100 g. In addition to the basic group they had a comparable group of infants fed during the 4th-6th month Sunar in 2/3 dilution. In the investigated groups they examined the haemoglobin (Hb) level, the number of erythrocytes (Er), haematocrit (Ht) serum iron (SFe) and total binding capacity (CVK). By calculation they assessed the mean haemoglobin concentration of red blood cells (SFK), the mean haemoglobin level (HbEr), the mean red cell volume (SOEr) and the iron saturation of transferrin (ST). In the basic group, as compared with 1982-83, the frequency of sideropenic anaemia of artificially fed infants declined. At the age of 4-6 months the authors found 15% anaemic infants, as compared with 29% in the group fed 2/3 Sunar. According to the author the incidence of sideropenic anaemia in the basic group declined during the second trimester due to the higher iron intake.