I Cowin1, A Emond, P Emmett. 1. Unit of Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, Division of Child Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between composition of the diet at 18 months of age and ferritin and haemoglobin levels. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: A total of 796 children taking part in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Food and nutrient intakes and haemoglobin and ferritin levels at 18 months. METHODS: Diet was assessed by a 3-day unweighed food record. A heel-prick capillary blood sample was taken for measurement of ferritin and haemoglobin. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between composition of the diet at 18 months of age and ferritin and haemoglobin levels. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: A total of 796 children taking part in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Food and nutrient intakes and haemoglobin and ferritin levels at 18 months. METHODS: Diet was assessed by a 3-day unweighed food record. A heel-prick capillary blood sample was taken for measurement of ferritin and haemoglobin. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.
Authors: Elizabeth H Kerling; Laura M Souther; Byron J Gajewski; Debra K Sullivan; Michael K Georgieff; Susan E Carlson Journal: Matern Child Health J Date: 2016-09
Authors: Rejane C Marques; José V E Bernardi; Caetano C Dorea; José G Dórea Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-01-16 Impact factor: 3.390