Association between complementary feeding and anemia of infants and young children

YANG Zhen-yu; LAI Jian-qiang; WANG Zhi-xu; ZHAO Xian-feng; YIN Shi-an

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2011, Vol. 19 ›› Issue (11) : 986-988.

Association between complementary feeding and anemia of infants and young children

YANG Zhen-yu¹,LAI Jian-qiang¹,WANG Zhi-xu²,ZHAO Xian-feng³,YIN Shi-an¹

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Abstract

【Objectives】 To investigate the association between complementary feeding and anemia of infants and young children. 【Methods】 By cluster sampling, 143 dyads of mothers and their infants aged 3-18 months were selected in Shunyi district, Beijing. Complementary feeding data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric indicators (body length, weight) and hemoglobin concentration of these infants were measured. 【Results】 The prevalence of anemia was significantly higher for infants younger than 12 months than for those children older than 12 months (P< 0.01). Regardless of age and gender, the prevalence of anemia was significantly higher for those children to whom complementary foods were introduced prior to 4 months of age than between 4~6 months of age (P< 0.05). Children to whom fortified foods (eg formula) or nutrient supplements were introduced had significantly lower prevalence of anemia than those to whom fortified food were not introduced (P< 0.05). When various anemia diagnosis standards (97、105、110 g/L) were used, those differences were still significant (P< 0.01). 【Conclusions】 The prevalence of anemia is significantly higher for children younger than 12 months of age than those older than 12 months of age. Introducing iron fortified foods prior to 4 months of age might improve infants' iron status. However, the optimal timing of introducing complementary foods needs further investigation.

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complementary feeding / infant and young children / anemia

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YANG Zhen-yu,LAI Jian-qiang,WANG Zhi-xu,ZHAO Xian-feng,YIN Shi-an. Association between complementary feeding and anemia of infants and young children[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2011, 19(11): 986-988

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