A review of the strategies used to reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in infants aged 6–36 months

Abstract Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) are global public health concerns that impact on infants worldwide in low and middle income populations. There is indication that ID affects long‐term neurodevelopment and that these effects could be irreversible. The present study reviews the strategies available to reduce the prevalence of ID and IDA in 6‐12 month‐old infants. A comprehensive review was carried out to identify all relevant studies. Four databases were searched: The Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, Leeds Metropolitan Discover and Google Scholar up to 1 November 2014. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi‐randomised trials and non‐randomised trials investigating the effects of preventative strategies on the prevalence of ID and IDA in infants were included. Primary outcome measures were haemoglobin concentration, anaemia, iron deficiency and iron status. Identified articles were assessed against quality criteria, and a data extraction template was implemented to source all relevant information. A total of 1038 articles were identified by the initial search, with eight trials fitting the criteria for more detailed critical evaluation. Of the final eight articles reviewed, two trials investigated the effect of micronutrient sprinkles, two trials assessed iron‐fortified milk programmes, two trials investigated the effect of iron supplementation, one trial evaluated food‐based strategies, and one trial looked at the efficacy of di...
Source: Nutrition Bulletin - Category: Nutrition Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research