[Effect of daily or once weekly iron supplementation on growth and iron status of preschool children].
OBJECTIVE
The effect of daily and once weekly iron supplementation on hemoglobin(Hb), serum ferritin (SF), erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EFP) in whole blood, prevalence of iron deficiency, body weight and height of preschool children was compared in this study.


METHODS
Preschool children (n = 353) from one kindergarten in Baotou City, was recruited. All children were divided into three groups by class, and received either daily or once weekly iron supplementation, or a placebo (control) for 14 weeks.


RESULTS
The prevalence of iron deficiency was reduced in both intervention groups, and the rate in the group supplemented with iron once weekly was significantly lower than that of the control group(P < 0.05). The levels of Hb, SF, increased after once weekly and daily iron supplementation. Weight gain and WAZ were greater in children who received daily supplement than in those who received placebo. Height gain and HAZ were not significantly different among three groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Daily micronutrient supplement can improve growth of preschool children. Once weekly iron supplement is effective same as daily supplement in improving iron status and reducing the prevalence of iron deficiency in the preschool children.
Yang
Qingjun
Q
National Institute for Nutrition and Food Safety, Chinese Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing 100050, China.
Yin
Shi'an
S
Zhao
Xianfeng
X
An
Jian'gang
J
D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011524:Protoporphyrins / Q000097:blood
D018977:Micronutrients; D011524:Protoporphyrins; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron