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Prevalence of iron deficiency in Saudi children from birth to 15 months of age
M A Babiker1, H M Bahakim, A O al-Omair
1Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Iron deficiency is absent in newborns but increases with age in Saudi children up to 15 months. Early screening for iron deficiency in infants aged 12-15 months is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Iron deficiency is a significant global health concern in infants and young children.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term developmental consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency in healthy Saudi children from birth to 15 months.
- To identify age-specific trends in iron deficiency within this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 333 Saudi children aged 0-15 months.
- Serum ferritin and transferrin saturation were measured to diagnose iron deficiency.
- Participants were grouped according to age, aligned with vaccination schedules.
Main Results:
- No iron deficiency was observed in newborns or infants aged 3-4 months.
- Prevalence was 3.3% at 5-6 months, increasing significantly with age.
- Iron deficiency reached 14.5% in the 12-15 month age group.
Conclusions:
- Iron deficiency prevalence increases with age in Saudi children up to 15 months.
- Routine screening for iron deficiency is recommended for children aged 12-15 months.
- This finding supports targeted public health interventions for infant nutrition.
Abstract:
A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency among healthy Saudi children from birth to 15 months of age. The groups studied were: newborns, 3-4 months, 5-6 months, 7-8 months, 9-10 months and 12-15 months of age. The age groups were dictated by the vaccination schedule. Serum ferritin was measured and transferrin saturation calculated in each subject. The lower limits of normal were taken as a transferrin saturation of less than 10% and a serum ferritin of less than 12 micrograms/l. A total of 333 serum samples was adequate for analysis. None of the newborns or the 3-4-month-old infants had evidence of iron deficiency. At 5-6 months only 3.3% of subjects had iron deficiency. In the subsequent older age groups the prevalence of iron deficiency increased significantly with age from 9.3% to 12.7% and reached 14.5% in the oldest age group. Screening for iron deficiency in children attending well-baby clinics and hospitals at ages of 12-15 months is recommended.