Prevalence of iron deficiency in 12-mo-old infants from 11 European areas and influence of dietary factors on iron status (Euro-Growth study)

Abstract

A prospective longitudinal cohort study was performed to assess the prevalence of iron deficiency in European infants at 12 mo of age, and to study the influence of socio-economic status, dietary factors, growth and morbidity on iron status. The cohort consisted of 488 normal term infants from primary healthcare centres in 11 European areas. Assessed were socio-economic variables, dietary intake, anthropometry and morbidity at regular intervals from birth to 12 mo, and haemoglobin, serum ferritin, mean corpuscular volume, transferrin saturation and serum transferrin receptor concentrations at age 12 mo. The prevalence of anaemia was 9.4%, of iron deficiency 7.2%, and of iron deficiency anaemia 2.3%. More than 40% of anaemia was associated with normal iron status and associated with an increased frequency of recent infections. Iron deficiency anaemia was significantly more frequent with low (5.1%) than high socio-economic status (0%). Dietary factors accounted for most of this variation in multiple regression analysis. Early introduction of cows' milk was the strongest negative determinant of iron status. Feeding of iron-fortified formula was the main factor positively influencing iron status. Other dietary factors, including breastfeeding, did not play a significant role as determinants of iron status at age 12 mo. Conclusion. Iron deficiency anaemia is present in 2.3% of 12-mo-old European infants. The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia varies strongly with socio-economic status. Avoidance of cows' milk feeding during the first year of life is the key measure in the prevention of iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency anemia in an Egyptian pediatric population: A cross-sectional study

“…[4,22] When compared to other developing countries, the prevalence of IDA was 72% and 69% among children in Jordan and India, respectively. [23,24] On the other hand, in developed countries the prevalence of IDA is much lower as Norway (5%), [25] United States (3.6%), [26] and average of developed European countries (7%). [27] The disturbing high prevalence of iron deficiency among our study population might be explained by the consumption of unfortified cow's milk feeding during the 1 st year of life, low intake of iron-rich foods, unmet increased needs for iron due to rapid growth, intestinal parasitic infestation or frequent consumption of tea with meals.…”

A Comparison by Milk Feeding Method of the Nutrient Intake of a Cohort of Australian Toddlers

“…On the other hand, while the iron in breastmilk is highly absorbable, the overall levels are low [26] and breastmilk contributed only 3% of the total iron intake in those who were breastfed and not consuming formula. The Euro-Growth study investigated the determinants of iron status in 12-month-old infants and reported that the most important factor positively associated with iron status was the duration of feeding of iron-fortified formula [27]. …”

Biodisponibilidade do ferro como fator de proteção contra anemia entre crianças de 12 a 16 meses

“…Other studies also found an association between anemia and the intake of cow's milk. 25,26 Dietary questionnaires have limitations that must be taken into consideration. Although interviewers are trained for the task, there might be some biases in the collection of food intake data.…”