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Impact of Maternal Anemia on the Infant’s Iron Status at 9 Months of Age

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Abstract

Background: Iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy is still common in developed countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of maternal anemia on the infant’s iron status at 9 months of age in Moncton, NB.

Methods: Mothers giving birth between April 1998 and February 1999 were selected from medical records. A letter was sent to invite them to participate. In total, 75 mothers with their infants were examined.

Results: The proportion of iron-deficiency anemia was higher (p = 0.055) in the group born to anemic compared to non-anemic mothers. A positive association between the mother’s haemoglobin and haematocrit during her 3rd trimester and her infant’s haemoglobin and haematocrit was found at 9 months of age. These results are not explained by differences in feeding practices and socio-economic status between groups.

Interpretation: Infants born to mildly anemic mothers may be at risk of developing anemia.

Résumé

L’anémie maternelle demeure fréquente dans les pays industrialisés. Le but de cette étude était d’évaluer l’influence de l’anémie maternelle sur le statut en fer des enfants âgés de neuf mois dans la région de Moncton au N-B. Les mères qui avaient accouchées entre avril 1998 et février 1999 furent sélectionnées à partir des dossiers médicaux. Une lettre leur était envoyée pour solliciter leur participation. Au total, 75 mères avec leur nourrissons furent étudiés. La proportion d’enfants avec une anémie ferriprive était plus élevée (P = 0,055) dans le groupe né de mères anémiques. Une association positive entre l’hémoglobine et l’hématocrite de la mère au 3e trimestre et l’hémoglobine et l’hématocrite du nourrisson fut notée. Ces résultats ne sont pas expliqués par des différences au niveau des habitudes alimentaires et du statut socio-économique entre les groupes. Les résultats suggèrent que les enfants nés de mères légèrement anémiques sont peuvent être à risque de développer une anémie.

École des sciences des aliments, de nutrition et d’études familiales, Université de Moncton, Moncton, Nouveau-Brunswick

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. École des sciences des aliments, de nutrition et d’études familiales, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, E1A 3E9, Canada

    Nadya Savoie MSc &  France M. Rioux PhD (Associate Professor)

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  1. Nadya Savoie MSc
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  2. France M. Rioux PhD
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Correspondence to France M. Rioux PhD.

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Savoie, N., Rioux, F.M. Impact of Maternal Anemia on the Infant’s Iron Status at 9 Months of Age. Can J Public Health 93, 203–207 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03405001

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03405001

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