Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: Since iron deficiency anemia in child can lead to dysfunction in mental and motor development, optimal care should be attended to prevention of this anemia. The goal of this study is, to investigate the duration of maternal breast-feeding, feeding with cow' s milk during the first two years and the effects of iron supplementation in hematalogic parameters. METHODS: This study involved 181 children who were 6 months-14 years old, hospitalized in HNH pediatric clinic with the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia between 2006- 2008 years. All children were divided into three groups as: mild, moderate and severe. Birth weight, nutrition with cow' s mi/k, duration of breast-feeding, adequate iron intake related with the varying degrees iron deficiency anemia and the effects of it in hematological parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age value was significantly higher in the severe anemia group than the mild and moderate ones. The duration of breast feeding was statistically significantly different between the mild and moderate anemia groups. Mild and moderate iron deficiency anemia were commonly seen in the infants who were breast-fed under 12 months old. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We concluded that, mothers should be educated about the importance of breast-feeding, nutrition fortified with iron and iron supplementation after six months, in order to prevent iron deficiency anemia.

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