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Iron deficiency screening in the first three years of life: a three-decade-long retrospective case study
Insights
Iron deficiency is common in young children due to factors like low income and early cow's milk introduction. Early screening for iron status is crucial for at-risk children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Iron deficiency (ID) is a significant global health concern in young children.
- Factors influencing iron status in pediatric populations require ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of iron deficiency in children aged 8-36 months over three decades.
- To identify key social and dietary determinants impacting children's iron status.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 1250 children (aged 8-36 months).
- Evaluation of iron status in relation to family income, weight-for-height, cow's milk introduction, iron supplementation, and weaning practices.
- Analysis spanning three decades (1980-2010).
Main Results:
- Iron deficiency was prevalent in children with low income, early cow's milk introduction, delayed weaning, overweight status, and lack of iron supplementation (P < 0.05).
- Low family income characterized the first decade (1980-1990).
- Early cow's milk introduction was prominent in the first two decades (1980-2000) (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Iron deficiency in children is multifactorial, influenced by social and dietary elements.
- Early identification of at-risk children through hematological testing is recommended.
- Public health interventions should address socioeconomic and dietary factors contributing to iron deficiency.
Abstract:
A three-decade-long retrospective study of iron status in a cohort of 1250 children aged 8-36 months was carried out at the Pediatric Department at the Second University Naples. Iron status was evaluated with independent variables such as family income, weight for height, introduction of cow's milk (CM), iron supplementation and weaning. Iron deficiency (ID) is prevalent in children with low income, early introduction of CM, delayed weaning, over-weight, and in those not receiving iron supplementation (P < 0.05). The first decade (1980-1990) was marked by low family income, while early introduction of CM characterized the first two decades (1980-1990, 1990-2000) (P < 0.05). ID depends on a variety of social and dietary factors. Hematological tests should be performed early to identify children at risk for ID.
