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Effect of iron supplementation on development of iron deficiency anemia in breastfed infants

Gulbin Gokcay1, Tulin Ozden, Zeynep Karakas

  • 1Institute of Child Health, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey. gokcay@superonline.com

Journal of Tropical Pediatrics
|July 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Iron supplementation did not significantly alter hemoglobin levels in exclusively breastfed infants by 12 months. However, dietary iron intake showed a positive correlation with hemoglobin, suggesting nutrition

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Hematology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months.
  • Iron deficiency anemia is a common concern in infants.
  • Early nutrition impacts long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of iron supplementation on iron deficiency anemia development.
  • To assess hemoglobin and ferritin levels in supplemented versus control infants.
  • To explore the relationship between dietary iron intake and anemia markers.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving exclusively breastfed infants.
  • Intervention: 1 mg/kg/day ferrous sulfate from 6 to 12 months.
  • Outcome measures: Hemoglobin, ferritin levels at 12 months, and 3-day dietary assessment.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in mean hemoglobin levels between groups at 12 months.
  • Significantly higher mean ferritin levels in the iron-supplemented group.
  • Positive correlation observed between dietary iron intake and hemoglobin levels.

Conclusions:

  • Iron supplementation may not be the primary factor in preventing anemia in this population.
  • Dietary iron intake appears more critical than supplementation for maintaining hemoglobin levels.
  • Further research into optimal infant nutrition strategies is warranted.

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