Iron supplementation improves iron status and reduces morbidity in children with or without upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled study in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Iron supplementation significantly improves iron status and reduces morbidity from URTIs in children with or without infection.

Effects of daily iron supplementation in primary-school–aged children: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…De Silva and colleagues 25 reported fewer respiratory tract infections (MD -0.56, 95% CI -0.82 to -0.30; p < 0.001, n = 363) and fewer days off sick with respiratory tract infections (MD -7.04, 95% CI -9.75 to -4.33; p < 0.001, n = 363) among children who received iron supplementation. Richard and colleagues 46 reported no difference in the rate of acute respiratory tract infections between groups (rate ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.65-1.27; p = 0.6, n = 836).…”

“…Five studies (835 children) used fully or partially supervised iron supplementation. Of the remaining studies, 4 (820 children) reported adherence of more than 90% in the control and iron supplementation groups, 21,25,27,57,58 and 7 studies (2071 children) reported more than 80% compliance in both groups. 19 Research adherence rates: Sen and Kanani [52][53][54] reported an adherence rate of 72%, and Nchito and colleagues 38-40 adherence of 50%.…”

Management of upper respiratory tract infections in children

“…33 Honey is superior to both dextromethorphan and no treatment for night-time coughing associated with URTIs. 34 Although the authors hypothesise that the effect could be due to its anti-oxidant or antimicrobial effects, another hypothesis is that a sweet taste might induce endogenous opioids.…”

Serum Immunoglobulins in Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia

“…Some studies suggest a link between iron deficiency and impaired immune system function [12]. It has been suggested that iron supplementation can improve iron levels and reduce morbidity from upper respiratory tract infections in children with or without infection [13]. Decreased cellular immune function characterized by decreased T-lymphocyte, reduced proliferative capacity of T cells and altered T cell subsets in iron deficiency were reported [14,15].…”