Studies in iron supplementation of preschool children

Abstract

1. The effect of daily supplements of 20–30 mg inorganic iron as ferrous sulphate on the growth, activity and haematological status of preschool children was studied for 3.5, 7 and 12 months and compared to that of children who served as controls. All children were given their daily requirements of energy and protein. In addition, they received 5 μg cyanocobalamin and 200 μg folic acid.2. Fe supplementation increased the haemoglobin, serum Fe and percentage saturation of transferrin and reduced the unsaturated Fe-binding capacity significantly compared to corresponding values for the controls.3. Height and activity were unaffected by Fe supplements.4. Of the children 45% had haemoglobin values below 110 g/l at the end of 7–12 months of Fe supplementation.