The effect of iron therapy on the growth of iron-replete and iron-deplete children.
This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed to study the effect of iron therapy on the growth of iron-replete and iron-deficient children, and to study the change in iron status in iron-deficient children with iron therapy. One hundred and fifty children (aged 6-24 months) were included in the study. After an informed written consent, 100 healthy children, who were iron replete (group I) according to preset criteria, were randomly allocated to receive iron supplements 2 ng/kg/day (group IA) or placebo (group IB). Fifty iron-deficient children (group II) were administered iron syrup 6 mg/kg/day. Growth parameters (weight, length and head-circumference) and hematological parameters were studied for 4 months. Iron therapy, as compared with placebo, produced a significant improvement of mean monthly weight gain (p < 0.001) and linear growth (p < 0.001) in the iron-deficient children. However, it significantly decreased the weight gain (p < 0.001) and linear growth (p < 0.001) of iron-replete children. Caution should therefore be exercised while supplementing iron to children with apparently normal growth and when the iron status of the child is not known.
Majumdar
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I
Department of Pediatrics and Laboratory Medicine, Safdarjang Hospital and Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi, India. indmaj@rediffmail.com
Paul
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P
Talib
V H
VH
Ranga
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S
D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006128:Growth / Q000187:drug effects*; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007501:Iron / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010919:Placebos; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D010919:Placebos; D007501:Iron