Feeding pattern and anemia in infants in the city of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil

Author(s)

Regina Esteves Jordão ; Júlia Laura D. Bernardi ^[2] ; Antônio de Azevedo Barros Filho ^[3]

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista Paulista de Pediatria; v. 27, n. 4, p. 381-388, 2009-12-00.
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To verify the prevalence of anemia associated with the introduction of complementary food in children less than two years old in the city of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed in 354 children between 6 and 12 months of age which were registered in the Live Births Information System from Campinas area. Health professionals interviewed the mothers, who answered a questionnaire about food introduction and socioeconomic status. Capillary blood was collected and the hemoglobin level was determined by Hemocue®. Anemia was diagnosed if hemoglobin level was below 11g/dL. Survival analysis was performed to determine the influence of complementary food introduction on anemia. RESULTS: 66.5% of the children had hemoglobin levels lower than 11g/dl. Anemia was associated to early introduction of the family diet (p=0.036), bread (p=0.012), yogurt (p=0.006), soft drinks (p=0.005), candies (p=0.005) and snacks (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate complementary food introduction is associated with anemia. This information should be addressed by health programs in order to prevent anemia in children. (AU)