The Effect of Plant Proteins Derived from Cereals and Legumes on Heme Iron Absorption

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of proteins from cereals and legumes on heme iron (Fe) absorption. The absorption of heme Fe without its native globin was measured. Thirty adult females participated in two experimental studies (15 per study). Study I focused on the effects of cereal proteins (zein, gliadin and glutelin) and study II on the effects of legume proteins (soy, pea and lentil) on heme Fe absorption. When heme was given alone (as a control), study I and II yielded 6.2% and 11.0% heme absorption (p > 0.05). In study I, heme Fe absorption was 7.2%, 7.5% and 5.9% when zein, gliadin and glutelin were added, respectively. From this, it was concluded that cereal proteins did not affect heme Fe absorption. In study II, heme Fe absorption was 7.3%, 8.1% and 9.1% with the addition of soy, pea and lentil proteins, respectively. Only soy proteins decreased heme Fe absorption (p < 0.05). These results suggest that with the exception of soy proteins, which decreased absorption, proteins derived from cereals and legumes do not affect heme Fe absorption.     

Dietary Determinants of and Possible Solutions to Iron Deficiency for Young Women Living in Industrialized Countries: A Review

Iron deficiency is a concern in both developing and developed (industrialized) countries; and young women are particularly vulnerable. This review investigates dietary determinants of and possible solutions to iron deficiency in young women living in industrialized countries. Dietary factors including ascorbic acid and an elusive factor in animal protein foods (meat; fish and poultry) enhance iron absorption; while phytic acid; soy protein; calcium and polyphenols inhibit iron absorption. However; the effects of these dietary factors on iron absorption do not necessarily translate into an association with iron status and iron stores (serum ferritin concentration). In cross-sectional studies; only meat intake has consistently (positively) been associated with higher serum ferritin concentrations. The enhancing effects of ascorbic acid and meat on iron absorption may be negated by the simultaneous consumption of foods and nutrients which are inhibitory. Recent cross-sectional studies have considered the combination and timing of foods consumed; with mixed results. Dietary interventions using a range of focused dietary measures to improve iron status appear to be more effective than dietary approaches that focus on single nutrients or foods. Further research is needed to determine optimal dietary recommendations for both the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency.     

Prognostic Nutritional Index: its usefulness as a predictor of clinical course.

Despite mounting evidence, a question still exists as to the true clinical relevance of varying degrees of malnutrition, the role of currently measured nutritional parameters in identifying malnutrition and predicting clinical risk in individual patients, and the efficacy of nutritional therapy. This study was designed to document the usefulness of the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) as a predictor of clinical course. The nutritional assessments and clinical records of 328 subjects in a Veterans Administration Hospital were reviewed, PNI and complication rates were determined for each of the subjects, and the data statistically analyzed. The PNI was found to be a useful indicator of malnutrition and predictor of clinical course. The PNI appeared to be a more sensitive index of clinical outcome than did comparison of individual nutritional parameters to accepted norms, although it accounted for only 17% of the information needed to predict clinical course perfectly.     

Effects of Hydrolyzed Whey versus Other Whey Protein Supplements on the Physiological Response to 8 Weeks of Resistance Exercise in College-Aged Males

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the chronic effects of different whey protein forms on body composition and performance when supplemented with resistance training.

Methods: Resistance-trained men (N = 56, 21.4 ± 0.4 years, 79.5 ± 1.0 kg) participated in an 8-week resistance training regimen (2 upper-body sessions and 2 lower-body sessions per week) and received one of 4 double-blinded treatments: 30 g/serving carbohydrate placebo (PLA) or 30 g/serving protein from either (a) 80% whey protein concentrate (WPC), (b) high-lactoferrin-containing WPC (WPC-L), or (c) extensively hydrolyzed WPC (WPH). All subjects consumed 2 servings of treatment per day; specifically, once immediately before and after training and between meals on nontraining days. Blood collection, one repetition maximum (1RM) testing for bench press and hack squat, and body composition assessment using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) occurred prior to training and 48 hours following the last training session.

Results: Total body skeletal muscle mass increased in all groups (p < 0.0125). There were similar between-group increases in upper-body (4%–7%, analysis of covariance [ANCOVA] interaction p = 0.73) and lower-body (24%–35%, ANCOVA interaction p = 0.85) 1RM strength following the intervention. Remarkably, WPH reduced fat mass (?6%), which was significantly different from PLA (+4.4%, p < 0.0125). No time or between-group differences were present for serum markers of health, metabolism, or muscle damage, with the exception of blood urea nitrogen being significantly lower for WPH than WPC (p < 0.05) following the intervention.

Conclusions: WPH may augment fat loss but did not provide any other advantages when used in combination with resistance training. More mechanistic research is needed to examine how WPH affects adipose tissue physiology.     

Effect of Fortification with Multiple Micronutrient Powder on the Prevention and Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Anaemia in Brazilian Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Fortification with multiple micronutrient powder has been proposed as a public health intervention able to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in children. Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of fortification with multiple micronutrient powder with drug supplementation in the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency and anaemia. This was a cluster trial with anemic and non-anaemic children between six and 42 months old, in randomization data. Non anaemic children received fortification with multiple micronutrient powder or standard drug supplementation of ferrous sulfate associated with folic acid in a prevention dose. Anaemic children who were randomized to receive multiple micronutrient powder also received the recommended iron complementation for anaemia treatment. A total of 162 children were evaluated. The prevalence of anaemia decreased from 13.58 to 1.85%. Iron deficiency decreased from 21.74% to 7.89% (by serum ferritin) and iron deficiency decreased from 66.81 to 38.27% (by soluble transferrin receptor). No difference was identified between interventions for hemoglobin (p = 0.142), serum ferritin (p = 0.288), and soluble transferrin receptor (p = 0.156). Fortification with multiple micronutrient powder was effective in preventing iron deficiency and anaemia in children aged six to 48 months. In anaemic children; it was necessary to supplement the dose of multiple micronutrient powder with ferrous sulfate.     

Examining Associations of HIV and Iron Status with Nutritional and Inflammatory Status,Anemia, and Dietary Intake in South African Schoolchildren

The etiology of multifactorial morbidities such as undernutrition and anemia in children living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (HIV+) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is poorly understood. Our objective was to examine associations of HIV and iron status with nutritional and inflammatory status, anemia, and dietary intake in school-aged South African children. Using a two-way factorial case-control design, we compared four groups of 8 to 13-year-old South African schoolchildren: (1) HIV+ and low iron stores (inflammation-unadjusted serum ferritin ≤ 40 µg/L), n = 43; (2) HIV+ and iron sufficient non-anemic (inflammation-unadjusted serum ferritin > 40 µg/L, hemoglobin ≥ 115 g/L), n = 41; (3) children without HIV (HIV-ve) and low iron stores, n = 45; and (4) HIV-ve and iron sufficient non-anemic, n = 45. We assessed height, weight, plasma ferritin (PF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), plasma retinol-binding protein, plasma zinc, C-reactive protein (CRP), α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and selected nutrient intakes. Both HIV and low iron stores were associated with lower height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ, p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively), while both HIV and sufficient iron stores were associated with significantly higher CRP and AGP concentrations. HIV+ children with low iron stores had significantly lower HAZ, significantly higher sTfR concentrations, and significantly higher prevalence of subclinical inflammation (CRP 0.05 to 4.99 mg/L) (54%) than both HIV-ve groups. HIV was associated with 2.5-fold higher odds of iron deficient erythropoiesis (sTfR > 8.3 mg/L) (95% CI: 1.03–5.8, p = 0.04), 2.7-fold higher odds of subclinical inflammation (95% CI: 1.4–5.3, p = 0.004), and 12-fold higher odds of macrocytosis (95% CI: 6–27, p < 0.001). Compared to HIV-ve counterparts, HIV+ children reported significantly lower daily intake of animal protein, muscle protein, heme iron, calcium, riboflavin, and vitamin B₁₂, and significantly higher proportions of HIV+ children did not meet vitamin A and fiber requirements. Compared to iron sufficient non-anemic counterparts, children with low iron stores reported significantly higher daily intake of plant protein, lower daily intake of vitamin A, and lower proportions of inadequate fiber intake. Along with best treatment practices for HIV, optimizing dietary intake in HIV+ children could improve nutritional status and anemia in this vulnerable population. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT03572010","term_id":"NCT03572010"}}NCT03572010.     

The Effects of Fortetropin Supplementation on Body Composition,Strength, and Power in Humans and Mechanism of Action in a Rodent Model

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Fortetropin on skeletal muscle growth and strength in resistance-trained individuals and to investigate the anabolic and catabolic signaling effects using human and rodent models.

Methods: In the rodent model, male Wistar rats (250 g) were gavage fed with either 1.2 ml of tap water control (CTL) or 0.26 g Fortetropin for 8 days. Then rats participated in a unilateral plantarflexion exercise bout. Nonexercised and exercised limbs were harvested at 180 minutes following and analyzed for gene and protein expression relative to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ubiquitin signaling. For the human model, 45 (of whom 37 completed the study), resistance-trained college-aged males were divided equally into 3 groups receiving a placebo macronutrient matched control, 6.6 or 19.8 g of Fortetropin supplementation during 12 weeks of resistance training. Lean mass, muscle thickness, and lower and upper body strength were measured before and after 12 weeks of training.

Results: The human study results indicated a Group × Time effect (p ≤ 0.05) for lean mass in which the 6.6 g (+1.7 kg) and 19.8 g (+1.68 kg) but not placebo (+0.6 kg) groups increased lean mass. Similarly, there was a Group × Time effect for muscle thickness (p ≤ 0.05), which increased in the experimental groups only. All groups increased equally in bench press and leg press strength. In the rodent model, a main effect for exercise (p ≤ 0.05) in which the control plus exercise but not Fortetropin plus exercise increased both ubiquitin monomer protein expression and polyubiquitination. mTOR signaling was elevated to a greater extent in the Fortetropin exercising conditions as indicated by greater phosphorylation status of 4EBP1, rp6, and p70S6K for both exercising conditions.

Conclusions: Fortetropin supplementation increases lean body mass (LBM) and decreases markers of protein breakdown while simultaneously increasing mTOR signaling.     

Effects of Iron Supplementation on Testicular Function and Spermatogenesis of Iron-Deficient Rats

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency in the world. Previous studies have shown that iron deficiency increases oxidative stress and decreases antioxidant enzymes, and studies of male infertility indicated that oxidative stress may affect male reproductive functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of iron supplementation on spermatogenesis and testicular functions in iron-deficient rats. Three-week-old male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into two groups: an iron-adequate control (AI group, 35 ppm FeSO₄) and an iron-deficient group (ID group, <5 ppm FeSO₄). After three weeks, the iron-deficient group was divided into an original iron-deficient group and five iron-supplemented groups, the latter fed diets containing different doses of FeSO₄ (6, 12, 18, 24, and 35 ppm). After five weeks, blood and testis tissue were analyzed. We presented as median (interquartile range, IQR) for continuous measurements and compared their differences using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Mann–Whitney U test among groups. The results showed that as compared with the AI group, the ID group had significantly lower serum testosterone and poorer spermatogenesis (The medians (QR) were 187.4 (185.6–190.8) of AI group vs. 87.5 (85.7–90.4) of ID group in serum testosterone, p < 0.05; 9.3 (8.8–10.6) of AI group vs. 4.9 (3.4–5.4) of ID group in mean testicular biopsy score (MTBS], p < 0.05); iron supplementation reversed the impairment of testis tissue. In the testosterone biosynthesis pathway, iron supplementation improved the lowered protein expressions of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases caused by iron deficiency. Additionally, decreased activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase, and increased cleaved-caspase 8 and caspase 3 expression, were found in the iron-deficient rats. The iron-supplemented rats that received > 12 ppm FeSO₄ exhibited improvements in antioxidant levels. In conclusion, iron supplementation can abrogate testis dysfunction due to iron deficiency through regulation of the testicular antioxidant capacity.     

Increasing Iron and Zinc in Pre-Menopausal Women and Its Effects on Mood and Cognition: A Systematic Review

Iron and zinc are essential minerals often present in similar food sources. In addition to the adverse effects of frank iron and zinc-deficient states, iron insufficiency has been associated with impairments in mood and cognition. This paper reviews current literature on iron or zinc supplementation and its impact on mood or cognition in pre-menopausal women. Searches included MEDLINE complete, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), psychINFO, psychARTICLES, pubMED, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete Academic Search complete, Scopus and ScienceDirect. Ten randomized controlled trials and one non-randomized controlled trial were found to meet the inclusion criteria. Seven studies found improvements in aspects of mood and cognition after iron supplementation. Iron supplementation appeared to improve memory and intellectual ability in participants aged between 12 and 55 years in seven studies, regardless of whether the participant was initially iron insufficient or iron-deficient with anaemia. The review also found three controlled studies providing evidence to suggest a role for zinc supplementation as a treatment for depressive symptoms, as both an adjunct to traditional antidepressant therapy for individuals with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and as a therapy in its own right in pre-menopausal women with zinc deficiency. Overall, the current literature indicates a positive effect of improving zinc status on enhanced cognitive and emotional functioning. However, further study involving well-designed randomized controlled trials is needed to identify the impact of improving iron and zinc status on mood and cognition.     

Effects of Iron Intake on Iron Stores in Elderly Men and Women: Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Results

Objective: For middle aged and elderly subjects there is a concern that increased iron intake, especially heme iron associated with consumption of red meat, leads to increased iron stores resulting in disturbed glucose homeostasis and risk for cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of heme, non-heme and iron supplementation on iron stores in healthy elderly men and women.

Method: We conducted a 10 year longitudinal study (48 men and 77 women) and a one year cross-sectional study (165 men and 226 women) in healthy elderly men and women enrolled in the New Mexico Aging Process Study. Iron stores were estimated by serum ferritin concentrations and iron intake was determined by three-day food records in the longitudinal study and by a food frequency questionnaire in the cross-sectional study.

Results: We found no association between heme iron intake and iron stores in either the longitudinal or cross sectional study. In the cross-sectional study we found in women, but not in men, that age and supplemental iron intake were significantly and positively associated with increased iron stores.

Conclusion: Iron stores in elderly men are thought to reach steady state levels where iron absorption is adjusted to a level just sufficient to cover basal iron losses. In elderly women, we speculate that not enough time has elapsed for postmenopausal women to reach steady state levels of iron stores resulting in increases in iron absorption with age. Another factor is that use of hormone replacement therapy could further delay some women in reaching steady state iron levels due to continued menstrual blood losses.     

Association of Abnormal Iron Status with the Occurrence and Prognosis of Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis: A Longitudinal Data-Based 10-Year Retrospective Study

This retrospective study investigated the effect of iron status on peritonitis by analyzing longitudinal iron parameters in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Patients who received PD at our center from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2015 were included and followed up until 31 December 2017. According to the joint quartiles of baseline transferrin saturation and ferritin, iron status was categorized as reference iron status (RIS), absolute iron deficiency (AID), functional iron deficiency (FID), and high iron status (HIS). Generalized estimating equations and Cox regression models with time-dependent covariates were used. A total of 1258 PD patients were included; 752 (59.8%) were male, with a mean (±standard deviation) age of 47.4 (±14.9) years. During a median follow-up period of 35.5 (interquartile range, 18.4–60.0) months, 450 (34.3%) patients had 650 episodes of peritonitis. By analyzing longitudinal data, patients with AID were independently positively associated with the occurrence (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.45) and treatment failure of peritonitis (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 1.85). Patients with HIS were positively associated with the treatment failure of peritonitis (AHR = 2.70). Longitudinal AID and HIS were associated with the episodes and poor prognosis of peritonitis. Active clinical monitoring and correction of iron imbalance in patients with PD are needed.     

Interactive Effects of Dietary Fat/Carbohydrate Ratio and Body Mass Index on Iron Deficiency Anemia among Taiwanese Women

Whether being overweight or obese is associated with increased risk of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains controversial. We evaluated the dietary intakes and risk for IDA in relation to body mass index (BMI). One thousand two hundred and seventy-four females aged ≥19 years, enrolled in the third Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) 2005–2008, were selected. Half of the women were either overweight (24.0%) or obese (25.3%). The overall prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency and IDA among adult women was 19.5%, 8.6% and 6.2%. BMI showed a protective effect on IDA: overweight (odds ratio, OR: 0.365 (0.181–0.736)) and obese (OR: 0.480 (0.259–0.891)) when compared with normal weight. Univariate analysis identified increased IDA risk for overweight/obese women who consumed higher dietary fat but lower carbohydrate (CHO) (OR: 10.119 (1.267–80.79)). No such relationship was found in IDA women with normal weight (OR: 0.375 (0.036–4.022)). Analysis of interaction(s) showed individuals within the highest BMI tertile (T3) had the lowest risk for IDA and the risk increased with increasing tertile groups of fat/CHO ratio; OR 0.381 (0.144–1.008; p = 0.051), 0.370 (0.133–1.026; p = 0.056) and 0.748 (0.314–1.783; p = 0.513); for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. In conclusion, a protective effect of BMI on IDA may be attenuated in women who had increased fat/CHO ratio.     

Micronized,Microencapsulated Ferric Iron Supplementation in the Form of >Your< Iron Syrup Improves Hemoglobin and Ferritin Levels in Iron-Deficient Children: Double-Blind,Randomized Clinical Study of Efficacy and Safety

A major problem of oral iron supplementation efficacy in children is its tolerability and compliance. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of a novel food supplement >Your< Iron Syrup in the replenishment of iron stores and improvement of hematological parameters in iron-deficient children aged nine months to six years. We randomized 94 healthy children with iron deficiency in a ratio of 3:1 to either receive >Your< Iron Syrup or placebo. A 12-week supplementation with >Your< Iron Syrup resulted in a significant increase in ferritin and hemoglobin levels as compared to placebo (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02). Adverse events were reported with similar frequencies across both study arms. >Your< Iron Syrup represents an effective, well-tolerated, and safe option for the management of nutritional iron deficiency in children.     

Mediating and Moderating Effects of Iron Homeostasis Alterations on Fetal Alcohol-Related Growth and Neurobehavioral Deficits

We have previously demonstrated prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE)-related alterations in maternal and infant iron homeostasis. Given that early iron deficiency and PAE both lead to growth restriction and deficits in recognition memory and processing speed, we hypothesized that PAE-related iron homeostasis alterations may mediate and/or moderate effects of PAE on growth and neurobehavior. We examined this hypothesis in a prenatally recruited, prospective longitudinal birth cohort [87 mother-infant pairs with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (mean = 7.2 drinks/occasion on 1.4 days/week); 71 controls], with serial growth measures and infant neurobehavioral assessments. PAE was related to growth restriction at 2 weeks and 5 years, and, in infancy, poorer visual recognition memory, slower processing speed, lower complexity of symbolic play, and higher emotionality and shyness on a parental report temperament scale. Lower maternal hemoglobin-to-log(ferritin) ratio, which we have shown to be associated with PAE, appeared to exacerbate PAE-related 2-week head circumference reductions, and elevated maternal ferritin, which we have shown to be associated with PAE, appeared to exacerbate PAE-related visual recognition memory deficits. In causal inference analyses, PAE-related elevations in maternal ferritin and hemoglobin:log(ferritin) appeared to statistically mediate 22.6–82.3% of PAE-related growth restriction. These findings support potential mechanistic roles of iron homeostasis alterations in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).     

Long-Term Follow-Up of Workplace and Well Water Manganese Effects on Iron Status Indexes in Manganese Miners

The authors assessed the effect of water reconstitution in the workplace by evaluating the iron status of manganese mine workers during a long-term study. Subsequent analyses and biological monitoring were performed in a group of 150 manganese miners before, and 2.8 yr after, reconstitution of drinking water in the miners' workplace. The authors found significantly high concentrations of manganese in the workplace well water, as well as in the miners' blood, urine, and hair. There was a considerable prevalence of epithelial lesions, which resulted from iron deficiency, in the miners, compared with controls. The authors assessed the prevalence of iron deficiency grades (i.e., I > II > III > IV) before and after water reconstitution. Reconstitution of drinking water for the ultimate attainment of healthy levels of manganese and other minerals resulted in a significant improvement in the miners' iron status and a decreased prevalence of epithelial lesions. The authors concluded that alterations in iron status may result from the cumulative effect of high levels of manganese in consumed water, as well as in airborne dust, in the workplace. Such elevated levels should be considered as an occupational hazard because they have an ability to interfere with iron absorption.     

合肥市农村地区6个月~7岁儿童贫血及铁缺乏现况调查

目的 了解合肥市农村地区6月~7岁儿童的贫血及铁缺乏情况, 为有效防治婴幼儿贫血及铁缺乏提供科学依据。方法 采取随机抽样的方法抽取2 095名6月~7岁以下儿童进行血红蛋白和铁蛋白测定。结果 研究对象2 095人中, 检出贫血患儿331例, 检出率为15.80%;铁缺乏的有392人, 检出率为18.71%, 贫血患儿中铁缺乏人数为114, 检出率为34.44%;贫血及铁缺乏检出率均随年龄的增加而有所下降, 小年龄组检出率最高。结论 合肥市农村地区贫血及铁缺乏仍有一定程度的发生, 且年龄越小, 贫血及铁缺乏发生率越高, 建议进一步加强营养知识宣教, 指导家长及时添加婴幼儿辅食, 引导家长形成科学合理的喂养知识和喂养行为。     

Effect of Oral Iron Supplementation on Cognitive Function among Children and Adolescents in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: There is abundant evidence showing that iron deficiency is closely linked with delayed brain development, worse school performance, and behavioral abnormalities. However, evidence on the impact of iron supplementation among children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been inconsistent. This study aims to examine the effect of oral iron supplementation on cognitive function among children and adolescents in LMICs. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the impact of iron supplementation on cognitive function (including intelligence, attention, short-term memory, long-term memory, and school performance) among children and adolescents aged 5 to 19. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and references of related articles published from the inception of the databases to 1 May 2022. Random-effects pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the effect of iron supplementation on cognitive function. We also investigated the heterogeneity of the effects using subgroup and meta-regression analyses. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020179064). Results: Nine studies with 1196 individual participants from five countries were identified and included. Iron had a positive impact on intelligence test scores among children and adolescents (SMD = 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10, 0.83). Meta-regression showed that the intelligence test scores improved with increasing the iron supplement dose (odds ratio [CI] = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.04). There were no significant effects on attention, short-term memory, long-term memory, or school performance. Conclusions: Oral iron intake can improve the intelligence test scores of children and adolescents in LMICs and should be considered for future nutritional interventions.     

营养强化辅食补充对甘肃贫困农村婴幼儿智力发育的影响

目的初步探讨辅食补充对贫困农村婴幼儿智力发育的影响。方法从甘肃省5个贫困县选取4~12个月的婴幼儿分成两组,所有儿童均在保持其家庭习惯的辅助食品添加的前提下,每天再补充1包不同配方的营养补充物,其中配方1组补充了蛋白质和微量营养素,配方2组补充能量达到配方1组的同等的能量。两组均补充维生素A。补充期间,儿童每3个月进行一次体格测量,每6个月进行一次血红蛋白测量,两组儿童观察到满24个月为止。儿童满24个月龄时进行智力发育的测定。结果24个月时配方1组、配方2组儿童的总发育商分别为97.2、95.5,有显著性差别(P<0.05),其中大运动区也有显著性差别(P<0.05)。两配方组儿童在辅食的补充时间、营养状况、性别构成、母亲文化程度等没有显著差别,但是24个月时儿童血红蛋白值两配方组有显著性差别(P=0.011)。结论补充营养素强化的辅助食品有利于贫困农村4~12个月婴儿的智力发育。     

辅食补充对贫困农村婴幼儿呼吸道感染和腹泻的影响

目的探讨强化辅助食品对婴幼儿呼吸道感染和腹泻两周内患病的影响。方法从甘肃省5个贫困县选取4~12个月的婴幼儿分成两组,所有儿童均在保持其家庭习惯的辅助食品添加的前提下,每天再补充1包不同配方的营养补充物,其中配方1组补充了蛋白质和微量营养素。每隔6个月对全部儿童补充一次大剂量的维生素A,两组儿童观察到满24个月为止。补充期间,每3个月进行一次体格测量,记录此期间儿童患呼吸系统疾病和腹泻的情况。结果补充12个月随访调查时,儿童近两周呼吸系统疾病和腹泻患病率下降明显,与基线调查比较,呼吸系统疾病和腹泻患病率的差异有显著性(P<0.001),同一次调查两配方组儿童疾病患病率之间差异无显著性;配方1组婴幼儿每次患呼吸系统疾病的病程逐渐下降。呼吸系统疾病和腹泻总的医疗费是明显下降的。结论补充营养素强化的辅食和大剂量维生素A,可以降低儿童腹泻和呼吸道感染的发病率,减少医疗费用。     

Postnatal Iron Supplementation with Ferrous Sulfate vs. Ferrous Bis-Glycinate Chelate: Effects on Iron Metabolism,Growth, and Central Nervous System Development in Sprague Dawley Rat Pups

Iron-fortified formulas and iron drops (both usually ferrous sulfate, FS) prevent early life iron deficiency, but may delay growth and adversely affect neurodevelopment by providing excess iron. We used a rat pup model to investigate iron status, growth, and development outcomes following daily iron supplementation (10 mg iron/kg body weight, representative of iron-fortified formula levels) with FS or an alternative, bioavailable form of iron, ferrous bis-glycinate chelate (FC). On postnatal day (PD) 2, sex-matched rat litters (n = 3 litters, 10 pups each) were randomly assigned to receive FS, FC, or vehicle control until PD 14. On PD 15, we evaluated systemic iron regulation and CNS mineral interactions and we interrogated iron loading outcomes in the hippocampus, in search of mechanisms by which iron may influence neurodevelopment. Body iron stores were elevated substantially in iron-supplemented pups. All pups gained weight normally, but brain size on PD 15 was dependent on iron source. This may have been associated with reduced hippocampal oxidative stress but was not associated with CNS mineral interactions, iron regulation, or myelination, as these were unchanged with iron supplementation. Additional studies are warranted to investigate iron form effects on neurodevelopment so that iron recommendations can be optimized for all infants.