Journal of Tropical Pediatrics Advance Access published online on December 21, 2007
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, doi:10.1093/tropej/fmm113
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Anemia Reduction in Preschool Children with the Addition of Low Doses of Iron to School Meals
aFederal University of Ceará, Medicine Faculty, Sobral Unit, Av. Gerardo Rangel s/n, CEP 62.010.100, Sobral, CE, Brazil
bSecretariat of Education of Sobral, Ceará, R. Viriato de Medeiros 1250, CEP 62. 011.060, Sobral, CE, Brazil
cFederal University of Sao Paulo, Research Laboratory, Rua Botucatu 703, CEP 04.023-062, Sao Paulo, Brazil
dFederal University of Ceará, Clinical Medicine Department, HEMOCE, Av. José Bastos 3390, CEP 60.435-160, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
Correspondence: Francisco Plácido Nogueira Arcanjo, Alameda Amazonas 120, Sobral, Ceará, CEP 62.040-300, Brazil. Tel: +55 88 3611 4879. Fax: +55 88 3677 4241. E-mail < placidoarcanjo{at}terra.com.br>.
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Abstract |
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Background. In developing countries there is high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia, which causes negative impact on growth, development and quality of life for infant population. Currently several strategies are being elaborated and tested to tackle this problem. Objective. To measure anemia prevalence in preschool children. To evaluate fortification effectiveness with 5 or 10 mg of elemental iron/daily added to school meals by increasing hemoglobin levels in anemic children. Methods. Double-blind, cluster randomized intervention study with 728 students from public network. Blood count was taken at beginning of study, to evaluate anemia prevalence, those anemic were selected for intervention, after intervention new blood count was taken to evaluate fortification effectiveness. Ferrous Sulphate was added in individual dosage of 5 or 10 mg of elemental iron/daily to usual school meal. From 35 schools 3 were randomized to receive 5 mg/daily (group A) and 3 to receive 10 mg/daily (group B). Hemoglobin and hematocrit averages before and after intervention were compared in each group and between them. Results. In group A, the anemia prevalence reduced 34.9 to 12.4%, and in group B 39.0 to 18.7%. In both groups a significant increase in hemoglobin was observed: in group A from 10.1 to 11.5 g/dl (p < 0.01) and in group B from 10.0 to 11.0 g/dl (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in final levels of hemoglobin among groups. Conclusions. Both dosages of elemental iron were equally effective in increasing hemoglobin levels, and reducing anemia prevalence. Fortification of school meals was shown to be an effective, low cost and easy to manage intervention.
Key Words: Iron deficiency anemia • preschool • fortified foods • iron • hemoglobin