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Iron supplementation improves appetite and growth in anemic Kenyan primary school children
J W Lawless1, M C Latham, L S Stephenson
1Program in International Nutrition, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-6301.
Insights
Iron supplements improved appetite and growth in Kenyan schoolchildren. This study highlights the crucial link between iron status and child development, suggesting further research into physiological mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health Interventions
Background:
- Iron deficiency is a prevalent global health issue affecting children's development.
- Appetite and growth are critical indicators of child well-being and nutritional status.
- Understanding the impact of iron supplementation on appetite is essential for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of iron supplementation on appetite and growth in primary school children in Kenya.
- To assess changes in energy intake and subjective appetite reports following iron supplementation.
- To evaluate the relationship between iron status and physiological responses related to appetite.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 87 primary school children.
- Daily administration of sustained-release ferrous sulfate (150 mg) or placebo tablets for 14 weeks.
- Baseline and follow-up measurements included anthropometry, iron status (hemoglobin, serum ferritin), parasitic infections, morbidity, and appetite tests (quantitative snack consumption and subjective assessment).
Main Results:
- Iron supplementation significantly improved children's growth compared to the placebo group.
- Children receiving iron supplements demonstrated improved appetite, evidenced by increased midmorning snack energy intake (10% of daily estimated intake) and positive subjective reports.
- No significant adverse effects were reported, indicating the safety of the intervention.
Conclusions:
- Daily iron supplementation effectively enhances appetite and promotes growth in primary school children.
- This intervention demonstrates a positive impact on nutritional status and overall well-being.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the physiological pathways connecting iron status, appetite regulation, and growth in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled iron supplementation trial was conducted in Kenya to examine the effect of iron supplements on appetite and growth in 87 primary school children. Sustained-release ferrous sulfate (150 mg) or placebo tablets were provided daily at school for 14 wk. Prior to tablet administration, baseline anthropometry, iron nutritional status (hemoglobin and serum ferritin), parasitic infections and clinical indicators of morbidity were measured. A baseline appetite test was conducted twice on each child by quantitatively measuring the ad libitum consumption of a midmorning snack. In addition, each child was asked for a subjective assessment of his or her appetite. Follow-up exams and appetite tests were identical to those at baseline. Findings indicated that provision of iron supplements resulted in improved growth and improved appetite (in terms of both energy intake of the snack and child report of appetite) as compared with children receiving the placebo. The increased energy intake from the snack was 10% of the daily estimated energy intake for children of this same age group living elsewhere in Kenya. Further research into the underlying physiological mechanisms may shed light on the relationship between iron nutritional status and appetite.