Abstract
Iron deficiency has a high prevalence in poor children. In addition to its hematologic effects, Fe def. adversely affects neurological function and behavior. In 1972, we reported the prevalence of anemia in children from an inner city clinic serving a predominantly black and hispanic indigent neighborhood. Anemia was frequent. The mean Hb in children between 9 and 36 months was 11.1 gm/dl, and 17.5% had Hb less than 9.8 gm/dl. In 1983, we studied a comparable group from the same clinic. None had Hb less than 10.1 gm/dl. The mean Hb was 11.98 gm/dl, a value comparable to that reported in groups of black children in whom iron deficiency had been excluded. The children in the 1983 group all had been participants in the W.I.C. program which provides iron-fortified formulas for the first 12 months of life. Over the past decade, Fe def. anemia has virtually disappeared in this population. Improved nutrition and especially the provision of iron-fortified formulas have been crucial in this improvement.
The government is considering discontinuation of iron-fortified formula by the W.I.C. after 6 months of age. This action has been justified by projected cost savings and also a recent communication by the AAP Committee on Nutrition. It would be tragic if a signal nutritional accomplishment, namely the virtual eradication of Fe def. anemia,was undone by shortsighted and relatively trivial financial considerations. American pediatricians should oppose this action strenuously.
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Pearson, H., Windom, R. ERADICATION OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA IN AN INNER CITY CHILDHOOD POPULATION: AN ENDANGERED TRIUMPH OF PROPHYLAXIS. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 246 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00920
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00920