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Follow-on formula in the prevention of iron deficiency: a multicentre study
Insights
Iron-fortified formula effectively prevents iron deficiency in infants. This study found iron-fortified formula significantly improved iron status markers compared to non-fortified formula and cow's milk in 6-month-old infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Iron deficiency is a significant concern in infants.
- Infant feeding practices, including formula and cow's milk, can impact iron status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of iron-fortified formula in preventing iron deficiency in infants.
- To compare iron status between infants receiving iron-fortified formula, non-fortified formula, and cow's milk.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 406 six-month-old infants in the UK and Ireland.
- Infants were assigned to receive iron-fortified or non-fortified formula for 9 months.
- Hematological indices and iron status were assessed at 6, 9-10, and 15 months.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in growth parameters (weight, head circumference, length) were observed between groups.
- Infants fed iron-fortified formula showed significantly better iron status (hemoglobin, serum ferritin) at 15 months compared to non-fortified formula and cow's milk.
- Lower rates of iron deficiency were observed in infants receiving iron-fortified formula (6% for serum ferritin < 10 microg/l) compared to non-fortified formula (22%) and cow's milk (43%).
Conclusions:
- Follow-on formula is an effective way to prevent iron deficiency in vulnerable infants.
- Iron-fortified formula significantly improves iron status in infants compared to non-fortified options and cow's milk.
- Adequate iron fortification in infant formula is crucial for preventing iron deficiency anemia.
Abstract:
Six-month-old infants were recruited at 21 centres in the UK and Ireland and randomly assigned to receive matching iron-fortified (12.3 mg/l iron) or non-fortified (1.4 mg/l iron) formula for 9 months. Infants already receiving cow's milk continued this feed. Haematological indices and iron status were evaluated at age 6 months, 9-10 months and 15 months. Four hundred and six infants entered and 302 completed the study. There were no differences between the groups for increases in weight, head circumference or length. Significant differences between the groups were observed at 15 months for haemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum iron and total iron binding capacity. Haemoglobin levels were < 110 g/l in 33% of infants fed cow's milk compared with 13% and 11% in those receiving non-iron-fortified and iron-fortified formula respectively. The corresponding figures for serum ferritin < 10 microg/l were 43%, 22% and 6%. Follow-on formula provides an acceptable vehicle for preventing iron deficiency in this vulnerable group.
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