title: Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels in the first year of life.
abstract: Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) levels were measured in 161 infants judged not to be iron-deficient. In addition to high mean FEP levels in cord blood, a significant number of infants had FEP levels in excess of 120 micrograms/dl red blood cells during the first 6 months of life. These levels are comparable to those found in iron-deficient adults. It is concluded that the clinical significance of an FEP level in excess of 120 micrograms/dl and its value as a marker of early iron deficiency during the first 6 months of life require further study. FEP values in excess of 120 micrograms/dl were not observed in infants aged 7-12 months.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D004909:Erythrocyte Indices; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000097:blood*; D011524:Protoporphyrins / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D011166:Porphyrins; D011524:Protoporphyrins