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Effect of iron intervention on growth during gestation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence: a systematic review with

Vesna Vucic1, Cristiana Berti, Christiane Vollhardt

  • 1Centre of Research Excellence in Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia. vesna.vucic.imr@gmail.com

Nutrition Reviews
|June 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Iron supplementation showed no significant impact on physical growth in children and adolescents. However, higher doses in children over six years were linked to slight increases in weight and mid-arm circumference.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

  • Iron is vital for physical development, but its impact on growth parameters requires thorough evaluation.
  • Previous studies on iron intervention have yielded mixed results regarding efficacy in diverse age groups.
  • Understanding iron's role in fetal and child growth is crucial for public health recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing iron intervention effects on physical growth.
  • To evaluate growth outcomes in fetuses, infants, children, and adolescents up to 18 years of age.
  • To explore potential moderating factors such as iron dose and age on growth responses.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to February 2010.
  • Inclusion of RCTs evaluating iron-fortified foods, formula, or supplements and various growth parameters (height, weight, MAC, head circumference, birth weight, gestation length).
  • Meta-analysis using a random-effects model, with subsequent stratification by iron dose, intervention duration, age, and baseline iron status.

Main Results:

  • Overall meta-analysis revealed no significant effects of iron intervention on measured growth parameters across all age groups.
  • Stratification analysis indicated a slight, significant association between higher supplemental iron doses (40-66 mg) and increased weight and mid-arm circumference (MAC) in children aged 6 years and older.
  • Significant heterogeneity across studies necessitated subgroup analyses to identify potential effect modifiers.

Conclusions:

  • Iron intervention generally does not significantly influence physical growth in fetuses, infants, children, and adolescents.
  • Specific high-dose iron interventions (40-66 mg) may offer a modest benefit for weight and MAC in older children (≥ 6 years).
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise role of iron dosage and age in modulating growth outcomes and to address study heterogeneity.

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