Effect of Iron Polymaltose Complex Prophylaxis on Frequency of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Public Health Policy
• Hematology

Background:

• Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a significant global health concern in infants.
• National policies aim to prevent iron deficiency (ID) and IDA through prophylaxis.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of such policies is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of Turkey's national iron prophylaxis policy on infants aged 9-12 months.
• To identify risk factors associated with iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in this age group.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 317 healthy infants aged 9-12 months.
• Data collection included parental interviews on dietary iron intake and iron polymaltose complex (IPC) prophylaxis usage.
• Blood samples were analyzed for hemogram and ferritin levels; logistic regression identified risk factors for ID and IDA.

Main Results:

• Infants not receiving prophylaxis had a higher IDA rate (31.1%) compared to those receiving regular prophylaxis (13.4%).
• Insufficient iron diets and lack of Fe+3 - IPC prophylaxis were identified as significant risk factors for IDA.
• While Fe+3 - IPC prophylaxis was linked to lower IDA, its association with reduced overall iron deficiency did not reach statistical significance (p=0.253).

Conclusions:

• Fe+3 - IPC prophylaxis is effective in reducing the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in infants.
• The study suggests that while prophylaxis impacts IDA, its effect on subclinical iron deficiency may be less pronounced.
• Findings support the continued implementation of iron prophylaxis policies to combat IDA in infants.