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Haemoglobin and iron deficiency in healthy one-year-old Swiss children: a study in private practice
C Godard1, D Beck, J M Geering
1Département de Pédiatrie, CHUV, Lausanne.
Insights
Iron deficiency screening is recommended for healthy one-year-old infants. Hemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) tests can identify infants needing iron supplementation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency in infants.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for preventing long-term health consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of low hemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in healthy one-year-old infants.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of oral iron therapy in infants with low Hb levels.
- To determine if early introduction of cow's milk is associated with Hb levels.
Main Methods:
- Hemoglobin (Hb) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were measured in 348 infants aged one year.
- A therapeutic trial with oral iron was administered to 26 infants with Hb below 115 g/l.
- Infant feeding practices, specifically the early introduction of whole cow's milk, were recorded.
Main Results:
- 10.3% of infants had Hb levels below 110 g/l, and 2.0% had levels below 100 g/l.
- 5.2% of infants had MCV values below 70 fl.
- 26 infants with low Hb showed a significant increase after oral iron therapy.
- No association was found between Hb levels and the early introduction of cow's milk.
Conclusions:
- Screening for iron deficiency is warranted in healthy Swiss infants.
- Hemoglobin and MCV measurements serve as effective initial screening tools.
- Oral iron therapy is beneficial for infants identified with iron deficiency.
Abstract:
Haemoglobin (Hb) was measured in 348 full-term one-year-old infants in 7 private paediatric offices. In 36 (10.3%) subjects, the Hb value was less than 110 g/l, and in 7 (2.0%) less than 100 g/l. In 11 of 212 (5.2%) subjects, MCV was less than 70 fl. Twenty-six infants with an Hb below 115 g/l showed an increase of Hb of +10 g/l or more after a therapeutic trial with oral iron. No relationship was found between Hb levels and early introduction of whole cow's milk into the diet. It is concluded that screening for iron deficiency is justified in healthy Swiss infants: Hb and MCV measurements may be the initial step.