title: Effect on haematological and anthropometric parameters of iron supplementation in the first 2 years of life. Risks and benefits.
abstract: Effects of iron supplementation (IS) on haematological and anthropometric parameters in a cohort of 121 healthy children, followed from 6 to 24 months of life, in the Paediatric Department, Second University of Naples, were evaluated. Children were randomly segregated in four groups: (1) exclusively breast feeding (BF) weaned with non-iron fortified (NIF) foods, (2) BF and iron fortified formulas (IFF) and foods, (3) exclusively IFF and foods, (4) BF and oral iron supplementation (OIS). Haematological parameters (Hb, MCV, Serum ferritin and transferrin saturation) in addition to anthropometric measurements (length and weight) were obtained. Results from the study at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months showed significantly lower values of haematological parameters in BF infants than other groups and in IFF infants than in those with OIS. In contrast children with OIS showed significant lower length. It appears that IS may be of limited or no benefit for growth in non-iron deficient children.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Second University of Naples, Second University, Via de Crecchio 4, Naples, Italy.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Capozzi
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Russo
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Bertocco
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Ferrara
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Ferrara
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006403:Hematologic Tests; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D019266:Iron, Dietary; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D019266:Iron, Dietary