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Hematologic and selenium status of low-birth-weight infants fed formulas with and without iron
Insights
This study found that iron in infant formula did not worsen anemia in preterm infants. Selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase activity showed no direct link to early anemia in prematurity.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nutrition
- Pediatric hematology
- Trace element metabolism
Background:
- Preterm infants are susceptible to anemia.
- Nutritional factors like iron, selenium, and vitamin E are crucial for preterm infant health.
- The role of iron and selenium in preventing anemia of prematurity requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of iron-fortified formulas on hematologic values in preterm infants.
- To assess the relationship between selenium status and anemia in this population.
- To evaluate the impact of different infant formulas on hematologic parameters and selenium status.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving preterm infants (birth weight 1,001–1,600 gm).
- Infants were assigned to standard formula, iron-supplemented formula, or soy-based formula with iron.
- Hematologic values, red cell selenium, plasma selenium, glutathione peroxidase activity, and vitamin E status were monitored for five weeks.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in hematocrit or hemoglobin decline among the three formula groups.
- Red cell selenium values and glutathione peroxidase activity did not correlate with anemia.
- Vitamin E sufficiency varied, with no significant group differences; plasma selenium concentrations remained stable, but plasma glutathione peroxidase activity declined across all groups.
- Iron supplementation (12 mg/L) did not accelerate hemolysis.
Conclusions:
- Iron fortification in infant formula at 12 mg/L did not appear to exacerbate hemolysis or anemia in preterm infants.
- No direct association was found between selenium status and the development of early anemia of prematurity.
- Further research may be needed to understand the complex interplay of nutrients in preterm infant hematopoiesis.
Abstract:
Preterm infants with birth weights between 1,001 and 1,600 gm were randomly assigned at one week of age to three groups and fed a standard milk-based formula, the same formula with iron, or a soy-based formula with iron. Hematologic values and selenium status were then studied prospectively for five weeks. Rates of decline in hematocrit and hemoglobin did not differ significantly among the three groups and did not correlate with red cell selenium values or glutathione peroxidase activity. Attainment of vitamin E sufficiency was variable among the infants, with no significant intergroup differences. Plasma selenium concentrations did not change significantly, but plasma glutathione peroxidase activity declined consistently in all three groups. Under the conditions of this study, iron at a concentration of 12 mg/L of infant formula did not accelerate hemolysis; nor was there evidence of a direct association between selenium values and early anemia of prematurity.