Dietary Survey of Anemic Infants and Young Children in Urban Areas of China: A Cross-Section Study

Objective: To explore the diet characteristics of anemic infants and young children of China, blood tests and diets surveys were conducted in five cities. Methods: About 150 children aged 6-36 month were selected in a typical community health center of each city, and the total sample was 750. Nutritional status was measured through 24h dietary recall method and HEMO Cue was used for Hemoglobin concentration testing. Results: The average prevalence of anemia was 17.2% in 6-12 month children, which was higher than in other age groups. Median intakes of 8 nutrients (protein, vitamin A, B1 and C, calcium, iron, zinc and copper) in anemic children were less than non-anemic children (〞p〞＜0.05) in 6-12 month olds; at age 12-24 month the intake of vitamin A in anemic children was less than in non-anemic children (〞p〞＜0.05). Market complementary food was the main source of iron in both anemic and non-anemic children (6-12 month olds: 2.28 and 3.69 mg, resp.; 12-24 month olds: 2.06 and 2.09 mg, respectively.). Iron intake from formula was lower in anemic children than in non-anemic children (6-12 month olds: 0.88 vs. 2.54 mg; 12-24 month olds: 1.59 vs 2.87 mg). The proportion of children obtaining continued breastfeeding in anemic children was significantly higher than in non-anemic children aged 6-12 month (65% vs 37%, 〞p〞＜0.05). Conclusions: Appropriate practices around continuing breastfeeding and complementary feeding particularly targeted to breast fed older infants and young children are needed to reduce anemia in infants and young children.

並列關鍵字

anemia ； infant and young child ； diet nutrients ； continuing breastfeeding ； urban areas

國際替代計量

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