Iron status in breast-fed full-term infants

Turk J Pediatr. 2000 Jan-Mar;42(1):22-6.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the iron status of full-term babies breast-fed exclusively for four months and the importance of iron supplementation. One hundred sixteen term infants followed up since the newborn period by a well baby clinic were included in the study. Iron deficient and/or anemic infants were excluded from the study at four months. Some of the infants (51) were later given appropriate complementary food besides breast-feeding (Group A) and some (42) were given ferrous sulfate (1 mg/kg/d) (Group B). Blood count and serum iron and ferritin measurements were done at four and six months of age. At the 4th month, iron deficiency was found in 23 (19.8%) infants, 11 of which had iron deficiency anemia. At the 6th month, 23 (45%) infants in Group A were iron deficient and 11 (21.6%) of them had iron deficiency anemia. In Group B, three (7.1%) infants were iron deficient and one (2.4%) of them also had iron deficiency anemia (p < 0.0001). Significant iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia have been found in four-month-old exclusively breast-fed full-term infants. It is observed that complementary food alone is insufficient; there is need for iron supplementation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / drug therapy*
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / etiology
  • Birth Weight
  • Body Weight
  • Breast Feeding / adverse effects*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Ferritins / blood
  • Ferrous Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Iron / blood
  • Male
  • Maternal Age
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Nutritional Status
  • Turkey

Substances

  • Ferrous Compounds
  • ferrous sulfate
  • Ferritins
  • Iron