Association between composition of the diet and haemoglobin and ferritin levels in 18-month-old children.

Abstract

To investigate the associations between composition of the diet at 18 months of age and ferritin and haemoglobin levels. Cross-sectional study. A total of 796 children taking part in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC). Food and nutrient intakes and haemoglobin and ferritin levels at 18 months. Diet was assessed by a 3-day unweighed food record. A heel-prick capillary blood sample was taken for measurement of ferritin and haemoglobin. Ferritin levels were negatively associated with the amount of cows' milk consumed (r = -0.2462, P < 0.001) and calcium intake (equivalent to a 4-5% drop in ferritin levels for a 100 mg increase in energy-adjusted calcium intake). Haemoglobin levels were positively associated with energy-adjusted vitamin C intake and were higher in children who ate any fruit (P = 0.024) or any vegetables (P = 0.030). The associations between nutrient intakes and ferritin and haemoglobin levels remained on adjustment for socio-demographic factors. The prevalence of low haemoglobin levels was higher in those children who consumed no meat or poultry (28.8% vs 19.0% overall, P = 0.044). Higher levels of milk and dairy product consumption are associated with lower ferritin levels in children of this age, and over-reliance on these foods should be avoided. Fruit and vegetable consumption should be encouraged, and the inclusion of a little meat or fish in the diet of small children is advisable.