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Iron supplementation and physical growth of rural Indonesian children
L C Chwang1, A G Soemantri, E Pollitt
1Division of Food and Nutrition, Veterans General Hospital Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Insights
Oral iron supplementation significantly improved blood iron levels, growth, and reduced illness in anemic Indonesian schoolchildren. This 12-week study demonstrated the benefits of iron (Fe) for children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Anemia is prevalent in rural Indonesian schoolchildren, impacting health and development.
- Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common form of anemia affecting children globally.
- Growth and morbidity are often compromised in anemic children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of oral iron supplementation on iron levels and physical growth in rural Indonesian schoolchildren.
- To assess changes in hematological status, anthropometry, and morbidity following iron treatment.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind study involving 119 rural Indonesian schoolchildren.
- Participants were classified as anemic or normal based on hemoglobin and transferrin saturation.
- Randomized assignment to receive either ferrous sulfate (Fe) or placebo for 12 weeks.
Main Results:
- Anemic children exhibited poorer growth and higher morbidity before treatment.
- Oral iron supplementation significantly improved hematological status in anemic subjects.
- Iron treatment led to enhanced growth velocity and reduced morbidity in the anemic group.
Conclusions:
- Oral iron supplementation is effective in improving iron status, growth, and health in anemic schoolchildren.
- Addressing iron deficiency is crucial for the well-being and development of children in resource-limited settings.
- This study supports public health initiatives for iron supplementation programs in Indonesian schools.
Abstract:
The effect of oral iron supplementation on blood Fe levels and physical growth in 119 rural Indonesian school children was assessed in this double-blind study. The children were classified into anemic and normal groups according to their initial hemoglobin and transferrin saturation levels and were randomly assigned to either Fe or placebo treatment for 12 wk. Hematological, anthropometric, and morbidity data were collected before and after the treatment period. Before treatment, anemic subjects were smaller and had higher morbidity than normal subjects. Treatment with 10 mg ferrous sulfate.kg-1.d-1 for 12 wk resulted in a significant improvement in anemic subjects' hematological status, growth velocity, and level or morbidity.