Anemia In Infants Likely Due to Dietary Inadequacy

Category: Conditions of the Circulatory System , Misc.

Infants born in Vietnam have an increased incidence of iron deficiency anemia as well as other micronutrient deficiencies, including zinc. These infants have an increased morbidity due to such deficiencies. They are also prone to poor growth.

A study published in the March issue of the Journal of Nutrition examined the effects of micronutrient supplementation in infants, age 6-12 months. The study enrolled 306 infants and randomized them to 4 groups. Group 1 received a daily multi-micronutirent, group 2 received placebo, group 3 received a weekly multi-micronutrient and group 4 received a daily iron supplement.

All groups had decreased growth, with the least decline in the daily multi-nutrient group. The levels of hemoglobin were increased in only the daily multi-nutrient group as well as ferritin levels. Other blood levels that were measured included; vitamin A, vitamin E, riboflavin, and zinc. None were different from placebo except vitamin E in the daily micronutrient group.

At completion of the study 25% of infants had anemia, while 33% had zinc deficiency. One positive note was that after 6 months of daily multi-nutrient intake iron deficiency was not found.

The authors conclude that anemia in infants born in Vietnam is dependent on several other factors, including iron intake.

Posted by Kristopher Foster on December 9, 2008 10:00 AM