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[Iron-deficiency and replacement in infancy]
Insights
Iron-deficiency anaemia affects over a third of young children in Budapest and Miskolc. Maternal socio-economic status impacts iron deficiency, highlighting the need for iron-prophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Public Health
Context:
- Investigated iron-deficiency anaemia prevalence in 376 children aged 6 months to 3 years.
- Children resided in Budapest and Miskolc, Hungary.
- Utilized serum ferritin levels to assess iron status.
Purpose:
- To determine the frequency of iron-deficiency anaemia in young children.
- To explore the relationship between iron deficiency and maternal socio-economic/cultural factors.
- To recommend interventions for high-risk populations.
Summary:
- Marked iron deficiency (serum ferritin < 10 µg/L) was found in 33.8% of the study population.
- Iron deficiency prevalence correlated with maternal socio-economic and cultural status, likely influencing infant feeding practices.
- Regular iron-prophylaxis is advised in areas with high iron-deficiency rates.
Impact:
- Highlights a significant public health concern regarding childhood iron deficiency in the studied regions.
- Emphasizes the role of socio-economic factors in nutritional deficiencies.
- Provides evidence-based recommendations for targeted iron supplementation strategies.
Abstract:
The frequency of iron-deficiency anaemia was investigated in 376 children with the aid of serum ferritin determinations. The children, resident in Budapest or Miskolc were 6 months to 3 years old. Marked iron-deficiency (serum ferritin less than 10 micrograms/l) could be demonstrated in 33.8% of the investigated population. The frequency of iron-deficiency was related to the socio-economic and cultural status of the mother, a factor which is thought to influence the feeding habits. In areas where iron-deficiency is frequently detected regular iron-prophylaxis is recommended.