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Diet and iron deficiency in the first year of life: a retrospective study

L Capozzi1, R Russo, F Bertocco

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Second University of Naples, Via de Crecchio no. 4, Naples, Italy.

Hematology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|December 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Formula milk and early weaning (before 6 months) are linked to better infant iron levels and hemoglobin. Breast milk and cow's milk feeding showed lower iron stores in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Infant nutrition significantly impacts iron status and hemoglobin levels.
  • Breast milk (BM), formula milk (FM), and cow's milk (CM) have varying effects on infant health.
  • Early childhood iron deficiency remains a global health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between milk feeding types, weaning practices, and infant iron stores.
  • To assess the influence of socioeconomic status on hemoglobin and iron levels in infants.
  • To determine optimal feeding and weaning strategies for maintaining adequate iron status.

Main Methods:

  • Observational cohort study of 385 infants.
  • Analysis of hemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin levels at 8 and 12 months.
  • Comparison of iron status based on milk feeding (BM, FM, CM), age of weaning, and socioeconomic factors.

Main Results:

  • Lower hemoglobin (<11 g/dl) and iron stores (<15 ng/ml) were more frequent in BM and CM groups compared to FM (P<0.05).
  • Infants fed formula milk and weaned before 6 months exhibited better Hb and ferritin levels.
  • Socioeconomic status significantly influenced diet, Hb levels, and iron stores.

Conclusions:

  • Formula milk feeding and early weaning (<6 months) are associated with improved infant iron status.
  • Breast milk and cow's milk feeding may be linked to lower iron stores, particularly in certain socioeconomic contexts.
  • Early intervention and nutritional guidance are crucial for preventing iron deficiency in infants.

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