A randomized trial of two levels of iron supplementation and developmental outcome in low birth weight infants

• Published in: The Journal of pediatrics Vol. 139; no. 2; pp. 254 - 260
• Main Authors: Friel, James K., Andrews, Wayne L., Aziz, Khalid, Kwa, Poh Gin, Lepage, Guy, L’Abbe, Mary R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01.08.2001; Elsevier
• Subjects: Analysis of Variance; Anemias. Hemoglobinopathies; Biological and medical sciences; Child Development - drug effects; Cognition - drug effects; Diseases of red blood cells; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Glutathione Peroxidase - metabolism; Hematologic and hematopoietic diseases; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Iron - administration & dosage; Iron - therapeutic use; Medical sciences; Zinc - blood; GHSPx; LBW; SOD; PLCU; GDA; PLZN; Human; Statistical analysis; Pregnancy disorders; Hematology; Iron deficiency anemia; Low birth weight; Infant; Hemopathy; Cognition; Iron; Prevention; Newborn diseases; Randomization; Prematurity; Cohort study; Influence; Supplementation; Sideropenia; Food supplement
• ISSN: 0022-3476; 1097-6833
• DOI: 10.1067/mpd.2001.115069

Objectives: To investigate the effect of increased iron intakes on hematologic status and cognition in low birth weight infants. Study design: We randomly assigned 58 infants to receive formula with 13.4 mg iron/L (normal iron) or 20.7 mg iron/L (high iron). At baseline, discharge, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months’ corrected age, we assessed anthropometry; infections; red blood cell hemoglobin, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, red blood cell fragility (hydrogen peroxide test), and superoxide dismutase values; plasma malondialdehyde, ferritin, iron, transferrin, zinc and copper levels; and diet intake. Griffiths’ Development Assessment was done at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months only. Results: No statistical differences (P <.05) were noted for weight, catalase or malondialdehyde levels, red blood cell fragility, or Griffith’s Development Assessment. Iron intakes were greater in the high iron group except at 12 months. Hemoglobin (high iron, 123 ± 9; normal iron, 118 ± 8) was not different at 3 months (P =.07). Plasma zinc levels (high iron, 70 ± 14; normal iron, 89 ± 27) and copper levels (high iron, 115 ± 26; normal iron, 132 ± 27; P =.06) at 12 months suggested inhibition of absorption by high iron formula. Glutathione peroxidase levels were higher in the high iron group. The total number of respiratory tract infections was greater in the high iron group (3.3 ± 0.9) than in the normal iron group (2.5 ± 0.9). Conclusion: In terms of cognitive outcome, there is no advantage associated with elevated iron intake for low birth weight infants. (J Pediatr 2001;139:254-60)