Association between composition of the diet and haemoglobin and ferritin levels in 18-month-old children.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the associations between composition of the diet at 18 months of age and ferritin and haemoglobin levels.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
A total of 796 children taking part in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC).


METHODS
Food and nutrient intakes and haemoglobin and ferritin levels at 18 months.


METHODS
Diet was assessed by a 3-day unweighed food record. A heel-prick capillary blood sample was taken for measurement of ferritin and haemoglobin.


RESULTS
Ferritin levels were negatively associated with the amount of cows' milk consumed (r = -0.2462, P < 0.001) and calcium intake (equivalent to a 4-5% drop in ferritin levels for a 100 mg increase in energy-adjusted calcium intake). Haemoglobin levels were positively associated with energy-adjusted vitamin C intake and were higher in children who ate any fruit (P = 0.024) or any vegetables (P = 0.030). The associations between nutrient intakes and ferritin and haemoglobin levels remained on adjustment for socio-demographic factors. The prevalence of low haemoglobin levels was higher in those children who consumed no meat or poultry (28.8% vs 19.0% overall, P = 0.044).


CONCLUSIONS
Higher levels of milk and dairy product consumption are associated with lower ferritin levels in children of this age, and over-reliance on these foods should be avoided. Fruit and vegetable consumption should be encouraged, and the inclusion of a little meat or fish in the diet of small children is advisable.
Cowin
I
I
Unit of Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, Division of Child Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Emond
A
A
Emmett
P
P
D000818:Animals; D002136:Calcium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D015930:Diet Records; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood*; D005638:Fruit; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008460:Meat; D008892:Milk; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014675:Vegetables
D002136:Calcium, Dietary; D006454:Hemoglobins; D005293:Ferritins