Latent Iron Deficiency at Birth Doubles Risk in Breastfed Infants by 6 Months: Study Finds

The study revealed the following findings:

• 48.5% of infants with latent iron deficiency (LID) at birth developed iron deficiency by six months.
• 24.7% of infants with normal iron status (NIS) at birth developed iron deficiency by six months.
• Infants with LID had a relative risk of 2.3, indicating more than double the risk compared to those with NIS.
• Average hemoglobin levels at six months were similar between groups: 10.21 g/dL in the LID group and 10.48 g/dL in the NIS group.
• These comparable hemoglobin levels suggest that hemoglobin alone may not reliably detect emerging iron deficiency.
• The overall incidence of iron deficiency among the study cohort was 27.6%.
• Despite the advantages of exclusive breastfeeding, the findings highlight the need to reassess iron supplementation strategies in early infancy.
• Special attention is warranted for infants predisposed to low iron stores at birth to prevent early iron deficiency.

The authors stress the importance of early screening for latent iron deficiency and recommend timely intervention through iron supplementation for at-risk infants. This approach may help reduce the burden of iron deficiency during the critical window of early childhood development, a period essential for cognitive and physical growth.

The authors concluded, "With iron deficiency remaining a leading cause of anemia in infancy, the study adds valuable insight into the early identification and prevention of the condition, especially in resource-limited settings where routine screening may not be standard practice."

Reference:

Babu, P. A., Garg, A. K., Patnaik, S. K., & John, B. M. Risk of iron deficiency at 6 months in predominantly breastfed infants with normal iron status and latent iron deficiency at birth. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. https://doi.org/10.1002/jpn3.70116