Consumption Of Iron-rich Foods Research Articles

Prevalence of Anemia and Its Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Health Institutions of Arba Minch Town, Gamo Gofa Zone, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background. Anemia during pregnancy is a major cause of morbidity and mortality of pregnant women in developing countries and has both maternal and fetal consequences. Despite its known serious effect on health, there is very little research based evidence on this vital public health problem in Gamo Gofa zone in general and in Arba Minch town of Southern Ethiopia in particular. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care in health institutions of Arba Minch town, Gamo Gofa zone, Southern Ethiopia. Method. Institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from February 16 to April 8, 2015, among 332 pregnant women who attended antenatal care at government health institutions of Arba Minch town. Interviewer-administered questionnaire supplemented by laboratory tests was used to obtain the data. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify predictors of anemia. Result. The prevalence of anemia among antenatal care attendant pregnant women of Arba Minch town was 32.8%. Low average monthly income of the family (AOR = 4.0; 95% CI: 5.62–11.01), having birth interval less than two years (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 6.01, 10.23), iron supplementation (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 7.21, 9.31), and family size >2 (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.17, 6.81) were found to be independent predictors of anemia in pregnancy. Conclusion. Anemia is found to be a moderate public health problem in the study area. Low average monthly income, birth interval less than two years, iron supplementation, and large family size were found to be risk factors for anemia in pregnancy. Awareness creation towards birth spacing, nutritional counselling on consumption of iron-rich foods, and iron supplementation are recommended to prevent anemia among pregnant women with special emphasis on those having low income and large family size.

Quality of the Early Infant Diet across the Eight Low and Middle Income Countries from the Malnutrition and Enteric Disease (MAL‐ED) Study

We explored breastfeeding practices and the quality of the early complementary feeding from birth to eight months of age according to WHO core indicators across the eight sites in South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan), Africa (South Africa, Tanzania) and Latin America (Brazil, Peru). We prospectively follow up cohorts of ~200 mother‐newborn dyads at each site. We categorized exclusive breastfeeding and the quality of the complementary feeding utilizing the WHO Core Indicators by twice weekly surveillance visits and monthly food frequency survey. Overall, 2145 children were enrolled across eight sites. By six months of age, exclusive breastfeeding rates ranged from 1 to 4% in India, Nepal, Brazil, and Peru to 10.3% in Bangladesh. No children in Pakistan, South Africa, or Tanzania were EBF for their entire first six months of life. Only Brazil had acceptable minimum diet diversity (72.2%), acceptable diet (70.5%), meal frequency (90%) and consumption of iron rich foods (71%), while in all sites it ranged from 4‐15%, 0‐14%, 11‐95% and 3‐44%, respectively. Exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months and quality of complementary foods at 6‐8 months of age were heterogeneous and sub‐optimal in most of the sites.

Feeding practices among Indonesian children above six months of age: a literature review on their magnitude and quality (part 1).

In Indonesia, 37% of children under-five are stunted, 12% wasted and 12% overweight. Adequate feeding practices among children above 6 months of age are critical to tackle malnutrition. National surveys have been conducted to assess feeding practices but these aggregates hide geographic disparities. While several studies have been conducted in specific country locations to address this gap, no attempt has been made to reconcile available information. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on feeding practices among Indonesian children above six months of age. A literature search was conducted in several databases using combinations of different search terms: feeding, child, Indonesia, MPASI/complementary feeding, gizi/nutrition, factor, determinant, praktek/practices. All documents were reviewed using a three-step procedure to assess content appropriateness and research quality. Available information was analyzed using current recommendations on feeding practices. Dietary diversity, consumption of iron-rich foods, active feeding and hygiene practices were among the non-optimal feeding practices. Consequently dietary intakes are not fulfilled for several micronutrients. Some feeding practices are worst in younger children. Differences between data from national and site-specific surveys are noted. Overall quality of the surveys needs to be strengthened. Generally, child feeding practices are not optimal. Indicators used to assess components of child feeding vary and make inter-survey comparisons challenging. The results also stress the need to investigate the underlying factors to optimal child feeding practices. The results may be used for advocacy of additional resource allocation for effective child feeding promotion programs.

Hemoglobin concentrations and associated factors in adolescentes from Recife, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of anemia and associated factors in adolescents from the city of Recife in Pernambuco state. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study, involving a random sample of 256 adolescents of both genders, aged 13 to 18, whose hemoglobin concentrations were evaluated, along with their nutritional status and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. RESULTS: The prevalence of inadequate hemoglobin concentrations was 10.2% [CI95%=6.7-14.5], reaching levels considered as mild anemia (9 g/dL <hemoglobin <12 g/dL). Female students had lower mean hemoglobin concentrations in all age groups (p<0.001). No association was observed between hemoglobin concentrations and nutritional status (p>0.05), nor with socioeconomic or demographic characteristics (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of anemia was low and classified as a mild health problem, preventive nutrition education involving the dissemination of healthy eating habits in schools and encouraging the consumption of iron-rich foods are strongly recommended.

Complementary feeding patterns in the first year of life in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: time trends from 1998 to 2008.

This study aimed to analyze time trends in complementary feeding practices among children under one year of age in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1998 to 2008. Based on comparable questions on food consumption in five surveys conducted in representative randomized samples of children in 1998 (n=3,762), 2000 (n=3,670), 2003 (n=4,305), 2006 (n=3,686), and 2008 (n=2,621), 16 complementary feeding indicators were constructed. The percentage frequency of all indicators was estimated for each year of the study. Linear trend analyses were also conducted by means of multivariate regression models. All indicators of early complementary feeding decreased from 1998 to 2008. In the 6-11.9 month age group, there was a significant downward trend in the proportion of children receiving food with adequate consistency for their age, consumption of iron-rich foods, and overall adequacy of the diet. A significant upward trend in fruit consumption was observed. There was a decrease in the early complementary feeding, and generally a worsening of complementary feeding practices in children aged 6-11.9 months in Rio de Janeiro during the period studied.

Determinants of anemia and iron status among pregnant women participating in the Mama SASHA Cohort Study of Vitamin A in Western Kenya: preliminary findings (624.8)

Maternal anemia is associated with poor birth outcomes. We estimated anemia and iron status and assessed its determinants using data from 505 pregnant women attending their first antenatal care visit in Western Kenya. Iron status was assessed using ferritin and transferrin receptor and corrected for inflammation as measured by C‐reactive protein (CRP) (>5 mg/L) and α‐1‐acid glycoprotein (AGP) (>1 g/L). Anemia was assessed with Hemocue. Mean (±SD) hemoglobin was 12.09 (±1.5) g/dl and the prevalence of anemia was 22%. Median plasma ferritin was 25.72 (IQR 18.70) µg/l and the prevalence of iron deficiency was 23%. Prevalence of any inflammation (CRP and/or AGP) was 24%. Primigravida was associated with both anemia (OR (CI): 1.92 (1.24, 2.97) and iron deficiency (OR (CI): 1.70 (1.10, 2.63). Acute malnutrition (MUAC <23 cm) was associated with both anemia (OR (CI): 2.06 (1.13, 3.77) and iron deficiency (OR (CI): 2.03 (1.11, 3.71). Vitamin A deficiency was associated with anemia (OR (CI): 1.68 (1.05, 2.71), but not iron deficiency. Other potentially modifiable factors, including food insecurity, dietary diversity, maternal education level, household consumption of iron rich foods, and gestational age were not associated with anemia or iron deficiency. The prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency is moderate and additional research is needed to understand the etiology of anemia and iron deficiency in this population.

Potential of Community Based Approach for Prevention of Anaemia among Women of Childbearing Age from Rural India

Objective: Investigate impact of community based programs for creating nutrition and health awareness of women of child bearing age for prevention of anemia. Design: Intervention comprising of informal meetings, live demonstrations of iron rich recipes from green leafy vegetables and kitchen garden activity. Women with Hb<11 g/dl had to be given iron folic acid tablets and formed the supplemented group (SG) while those with Hb>11 g/dl formed non supplemented group (NSG). Settings: Three villages near Pune city, Maharashtra, India. Subjects: Rural non pregnant women (n= 317) of childbearing age (15-35 yr). Results: Prevalence of severe anemia (Hb<10 g/dl) reduced significantly from 19.2% to 7.1% and 11.0% in the first and second year respectively. At the end of first year, the proportion of women shifting into higher grade of Hb was significantly lower in NSG (38.2%) compared to SG (71.6%), but was exclusively due to interventions. Further, proportion of women showing such improvement in Hb was significantly (p = 0.003) higher (61.5%) among women with higher participation (>=50% meetings) compared to those with (29.8%) lower participation (<25% meetings). This was also true with regard to actual practice of repeating the demonstrated iron rich recipes at home. Impact after two years was reduced, however, the participation in interventional activities continued to show association with improvement in Hb (p = 0.06). Conclusion: Our observations highlight that developing action programs for improving nutritional awareness to enhance consumption of iron rich foods through dietary diversification has great potential for preventing anaemia in rural India.

Trends in infant and young child feeding practices in Bangladesh, 1993–2011

BackgroundOptimal infant and young child feeding practices are crucial to improving the health and nutritional status of children. Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation, UNICEF and several other organizations are working in the country for the promotion of healthy feeding practices. This article presents trends in breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in Bangladesh from 1993–2011, based on data in Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys. The following Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys were studied: BDHS 93–94, BDHS 96–97, BDHS 99–00, BDHS 04, BDHS 07 and BDHS 11. Values of indicators for infant and young child feeding proposed by WHO, along with their 95% confidence intervals, were calculated, and trends were assessed.FindingsAmong the core indicators, early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding under six months, introduction of solid, semi-solid and soft foods, and consumption of iron-rich foods have improved, while continued breastfeeding at one year does not display a statistically significant development. Of the optional indicators, the prevalence of age-appropriate breastfeeding and children ever breastfed improved, while the prevalence of predominant breastfeeding under six months witnessed a decline. Median duration of breastfeeding declined, and there was no change in the other optional indicators (continued breastfeeding at two years and bottle feeding). Developments in the other optional indicators were not statistically significant. The ratings of early initiation of breastfeeding and complementary feeding have gone up from poor to fair, those of exclusive breastfeeding under six months from fair to good, while those of bottle-feeding are fair.ConclusionThe developments in breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in the country have been considerable, but there is still substantial scope for improvement.

La anemia como factor de riesgo quirúrgico

Perioperative anemia is common in patients undergoing surgery and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and a decreased quality of life. The main causes of anemia in the perioperative context are iron deficiency and chronic inflammation.Anemia can be aggravated by blood loss during surgery, and is most commonly treated with allogeneic transfusion. Moreover, blood transfusions are not without risks, once again increasing patient morbidity and mortality. Given these concerns, we propose to review the pathophysiology of anemia in the surgical environment, as well as its treatment through the consumption of iron-rich foods and by oral or intravenous iron therapy (iron sucrose and iron carboxymaltose). In chronic inflammatory anemia, we use erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (erythropoietin alpha) and, in cases of mixed anemia, the combination of both treatments.The objective is always to reduce the need for perioperative transfusions and speed the recovery from postoperative anemia, as well as decrease the patient morbidity and mortality rate.

Variations in body iron status determine variations in body energy expenditure and brain dynamics as a function of perceptual and cognitive workload

Iron deficiency (ID), with and without anemia, has been shown to have deleterious effects on physical performance. Animal models have demonstrated that physical endurance and the concentrations of oxidative enzymes and respiratory proteins all decrease in ID, even at levels that do not reach the point of anemia. Human studies have documented reductions in endurance in ID without anemia, with effects being seen in measures of energy expenditure and work efficiency. The present effort extends the examination of the effect of ID to consideration of its effects on energy use in the performance of mental work. ID women(ferritin &lt; 16 g/dl, n = 20) and age‐, education‐ and activity‐level‐matched controls (n = 17) provided blood samples for measures of iron status; completed a set of questionnaires probing general health and activity levels, menstrual status, and consumption of iron‐rich foods; completed a working memory task (as a general measure of cognitive efficiency); and performed a visual Sternberg task with a concurrent mental math task. While performing the visual Sternberg task, participants’ brain and metabolic states were measured using electroencephelography (EEG) and measures of the volume of O2 and CO2 in expired air, respiratory rate, and heart rate. We show statistically significant relationships among behavioral, EEG, and metabolic measures, all as a function of variations in task difficulty and iron status. The data suggest the potential for using EEG for indirect estimation of the effects of ID on brain energy.

Consumption of Iron-Rich Foods by Teenage Students In Owo, Nigeria

Consumption of Iron-Rich Foods by Teenage Students In Owo, Nigeria

Anaemia prevalence and associated sociodemographic and dietary factors among Palestinian adolescents in the West Bank

Anaemia still persists among children and women of childbearing age in Palestine. We investigated the prevalence of anaemia and associated factors among Palestinian school adolescents (aged 13-15 years) in Ramallah and Hebron governorates. Haemoglobin levels were measured to assess the prevalence of anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia was significantly higher in Hebron than in Ramallah among boys (22.5% versus 6.0% respectively), while among girls the figures were similar (9.2% and 9.3% respectively). Linear binomial regression analysis showed that among boys, anaemia was independently associated with residence in Hebron and higher standard of living, while among girls, anaemia was associated with higher father's education. Consumption of iron-rich foods, as recorded in food frequency questionnaires, had no significant effects on anaemia prevalence in both boys and girls.

Pediatric sports nutrition: an update

There is a growing interest in the field of pediatric sports nutrition because of the will to lead the child athlete to high achievements, with minimal impairment of growth and development. In this article, we review some of the new data concerning the possible short-term and long-term effects of nutrition on children's performance, current and future health. Growing children engaged in strenuous exercise have several physiologic and metabolic characteristics that distinguish them from adults and require specific nutritional considerations. There is currently not enough evidence to support either carbohydrate loading or increased protein intake in the diet of the child athlete. Creatine use, although common among youth, is not recommended. Adequate hydration is essential to optimal performance. Consumption of iron-rich foods should be encouraged, as depleted iron stores are common in young athletes. In female athletes, nutritional deficiencies could lead to athletic amenorrhea and bone loss, and the resolution of energy deficits can restore normal bone formation and the return of menses. In the highly competitive world of the child athlete, proper nutrition is of essence. Unfortunately, most of the knowledge in this field is based on adult literature. Age-specific research would lead to a better understanding of what constitutes 'a healthy diet' in the context of the growing athlete and may be a first step toward achieving these necessary insights.

Sources of Supplemental Iron Among Breastfed Infants During the First Year of Life

Primary prevention of iron deficiency requires adequate iron intake. Although recommendations exist to promote adequate intake of iron among infants through iron-rich foods and iron supplements, few studies have examined adherence to these recommendations. Our objectives were to describe the consumption of iron-rich foods, oral iron supplements, and iron-fortified formula among US infants and to assess adherence to iron-intake recommendations. We analyzed data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II, a longitudinal study of mothers and infants followed from late pregnancy through the first year of their infant's life. Mothers completed near-monthly questionnaires that assessed how frequently they fed their infants breast milk, formula, infant cereals, and meats in the previous 7 days and whether their infants were given an oral iron supplement > or = 3 times per week during the previous 2 weeks. We examined use of iron-fortified formula among infants who consumed formula; intake of cereal, meat, oral iron supplements, and formula among infants consuming any breast milk; and whether 6-month-old breastfed and mixed-fed (breast milk and formula) infants consumed sources of supplemental iron with recommended frequency. At 6 months of age, 18% of the term breastfed and mixed-fed infants had not received infant cereal or meat in the previous 7 days, and 15% had not received infant cereal, meat, regular iron supplements, or formula; among solely breastfed infants, 23% had not received infant cereal, meat, or regular iron supplements. Fifty-eight percent of the mixed-fed infants and 70% of the solely breastfed infants received < 2 daily servings of infant cereal, meat, or formula combined and did not receive oral iron supplements > or = 3 times per week. Among preterm breastfed and mixed-fed infants, none received oral iron supplements > or = 3 times per week before 3 months of age, 2% received them at 3 months, and 13% received them at 10.5 months. Our findings indicate that recommendations regarding iron intake among breastfed infants are not being followed by a substantial proportion of mothers.

Risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia in children and adolescents with intestinal helminthic infections

To investigate risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia in children and adolescents (7 to 17 years of age) with intestinal helminthic infections. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1 709 children and adolescents living in Jequié, a town in the state of Bahia, Brazil, who had mild to moderate infection by Schistosoma mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, or hookworms. We obtained data concerning hemoglobin levels (using a portable hemoglobinometer), dietary habits (24-hour dietary recall), parasitic infections (Kato-Katz method), sanitary conditions (water supply, sewage connection, garbage collection), housing conditions (type of construction, number of persons per room), income, and amount of schooling of the parents or guardians. The risk factors for anemia were studied based on a hierarchical model of causality. The prevalence of parasitic infection was 74.8% for T. trichiura, 63.0% for A. lumbricoides, 55.5% for S. mansoni, and 15.7% for hookworms. Among the children and adolescents studied 32.2% were anemic. After adjustment for confounding variables, the results of the multivariate analysis showed that the following variables were significantly associated with anemia: per capita family income below US$ 27 (equal to one fourth of the Brazilian minimum wage), male sex, age of 7 to 9 years, and inadequate intake of bioavailable iron. The initiatives to control anemia in the group at greatest risk, as identified in this study, should seek to increase the consumption of iron-rich foods, boost the bioavailability of the iron ingested, and improve socioenvironmental conditions.

The effect of calcium consumption on iron absorption and iron status.

Recent increases in recommended calcium intakes recognize the important role of calcium in skeletal health, but many Americans, especially women, consume far less than recommended amounts. A potential drawback to encouraging increased calcium intake is suggested by the extensive literature showing an adverse effect of high calcium intake on dietary iron absorption, at least in short, highly controlled, experimental studies. However, the applicability of short-term studies involving test meals to long-term iron absorption and iron status is limited given the variety of foods and food combinations in self-selected diets and the ability of individuals to adapt to reduced iron intake. In general, studies of whole diets and studies conducted over several weeks tend to show no effect of increased calcium intake on iron absorption. In addition, experimental studies of calcium and iron status measures such as serum ferritin show no long-term effect of calcium supplementation on iron status. Prevention and treatment of iron deficiency should emphasize adequate consumption of iron-rich foods and, when indicated, the use of iron supplements. Recommended calcium intakes are important for skeletal health and do not appear to increase the risk for iron deficiency in healthy people.

Can Dietary Treatment of Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency Improve Iron Status?

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of, first, a dietary regimen involving increased consumption of iron-rich foods and enhancers of iron absorption and decreased consumption of inhibitors of iron absorption and, second, a low dose iron chelate iron supplement, for increasing iron stores in young adult New Zealand women with mild iron deficiency (MID).Methods: The study was a 16 week randomized placebo-controlled intervention. Seventy-five women aged 18 to 40 years with MID (serum ferritin <20 μg/L and hemoglobin ≥120 g/L) were assigned to one of three groups: Placebo, Supplement (50 mg iron/day as amino acid chelate) or Diet. Participants in the Diet Group were given individual dietary counseling to increase the intake and bioavailability of dietary iron. Dietary changes were monitored by a previously validated computer-administered iron food frequency questionnaire.Results: Diet Group members significantly increased their intake of flesh foods, heme iron, vitamin C and foods cooked using cast-iron cookware and significantly decreased their phytate and calcium intakes. Serum ferritin increased in the Supplement and Diet Groups by 59% (p=0.001) and 26% (p=0.068), respectively, in comparison to the Placebo Group. The serum transferrin receptor:serum ferritin ratio decreased by 51% in the Supplement Group (p=0.0001), and there was a non-significant decrease of 22% (p=0.1232) in the Diet Group.Conclusions: This study is the first, to our knowledge, to demonstrate that an intensive dietary program has the potential to improve the iron status of women with iron deficiency.

Iron Deficiency Anemia in Postmenopausal Women*

In 90 postmenopausal women aged 55 or older residing in health care facilities, a survey was made of hemoglobin levels and food habits that reflected their consumption of iron-rich foods. The reasons for inadequate dietary intakes of iron are discussed. There is need for better understanding of iron metabolism. Recommendations are made for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in postmenopausal women and for achievement of the highest possible level of health as affected by the intake of iron and related nutritional factors.