Evaluation of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system in healthy iron-replete infants receiving iron prophylaxis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Biochemistry
• Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

• Infant iron supplementation is standard practice, but concerns exist regarding potential oxidative damage.
• Understanding the impact of early iron intake on infant oxidative status is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of early-onset iron supplementation on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity in healthy infants.
• To determine if 10 mg/day of elemental iron for 2 months impacts oxidative stress markers in 4-month-old infants.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 53 healthy 4-month-old infants.
• The study group received 10 mg/day of elemental iron (ferrous sulfate) for 2 months; the control group did not.
• Measurements included complete blood count, serum ferritin, and intraerythrocytic levels of zinc, iron, copper, malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase at 4 and 6 months.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed between the iron-supplemented group and the control group at 6 months of age.
• Specific markers showing no significant difference include intraerythrocytic zinc, copper, iron, malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase.
• Infant growth parameters (weight, height, head circumference) were also comparable between groups.

Conclusions:

• Supplemental elemental iron at 10 mg/day for 2 months in healthy, iron-replete infants does not appear to induce lipid peroxidation.
• Early iron supplementation did not impair the antioxidant status of the infants in this study.
• The findings suggest that standard iron supplementation is safe regarding oxidative stress in this population.