Iron Nutriture of the Fetus, Neonate, Infant, and Child.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to review the uses, requirements, sources, and clinical implications of iron from conception through childhood, including recommendations for supplementation.
Results Summary
The study highlights iron's critical role in fetal and child development, identifies iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) as common issues affecting growth and cognitive performance, and emphasizes maternal iron status as a key factor in child iron levels.
Population
Pregnant women, neonates, infants, and children.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
iron | neutral | the developing fetus, neonate, infant, and child | the developing fetus, neonate, infant, and child | - | is essential for | #1 |
iron | neutral | new red blood cells and muscle cells as well as brain development | early stages of life | - | is critically important for the production of | #2 |
iron deficiency (ID) | neutral | children and pregnant women worldwide | children and pregnant women worldwide | - | is the most common micronutrient deficiency in | #3 |
ID and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) | decrease | growth and energy levels as well as motor and cognitive performance | the developing child | - | can affect | #4 |
ID in mothers | increase | ID and IDA in their children | their children | - | can increase the risk of | #5 |
Iron is a key nutrient and is essential for the developing fetus, neonate, infant, and child. Iron requirements are high during early stages of life because it is critically important for the production of new red blood cells and muscle cells as well as brain development. Neonates, infants, and children obtain iron from dietary sources including breast milk (lactoferrin) and heme- and non-heme-containing foods. Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common micronutrient deficiency in children and pregnant women worldwide. ID and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) can affect growth and energy levels as well as motor and cognitive performance in the developing child. The fetus is completely dependent on maternal iron crossing through the placenta and, although it is generally well protected against deficiency at birth, ID in mothers can increase the risk of ID and IDA in their children as early as 4 months. This review will discuss the uses of iron, iron requirements, and the sources of iron from conception through childhood. In addition, it will describe the prevalence and clinical manifestations of ID and IDA in children and discuss recommendations for iron supplementation of children and pregnant women.