PREVALENCE AND CAUSES OF IRON DEFICIENCY IN INFANTS

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of iron deficiency in infants, to identify the factors causing them.Materials and Methods: Completed questionnaires 1052 lactating mothers, to determined the level of hemoglobin in 948 infants, serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity of serum (n=60), the concentration of iron in breast milk (n=62).Results: The prevalence of anemia in infants in region was 6 times higher than the official statistics (349.2/1000 vs. 52,9/1000). Iron status was higher in exclusively breast-fed in first 6 mo, but the incidence of anemia in 9 mo old infants was independent of the type of feeding. Anemia in infants contributed of antenatal factors (prematurity, threat of abortion, utero-placental dysfunction), (p<0.05). Infants older 6 mo has a decrease level of serum iron (5,6 μmol/L vs. 15,0 μmol/L, р=0,04). The level of iron in breast milk was independent on the mother’s intake, iron supplementation during pregnancy and lactating.Summary: The development of iron deficiency in infants contributes to antenatal factors and low level of iron in breast milk.

Keywords

• iron deficiency
• infants
• breast-feeding