Growth performance in anemia and following iron supplementation.

The growth status of anemic (n = 117, Hb 7-10 g/dl) and normal (n = 53, H > or = 11 g/dl) children 3-5 years of age living under similar environmental and socio-economic conditions was evaluated. The dietary intake was assessed on a random subsample of the anemic and normal children. The anemic children had a poorer growth status than normal children as indicated by their significantly (p < 0.001) lower body weight, height and weight for age and significantly (p < 0.001) larger number in Grades II and III malnutrition. Iron supplementation (40 mg elemental iron/day) for six months produced a significant (p < 0.001) increase in Hb levels of both groups (1.6 g/dl in the anemic and 0.8 g/dl in the non-anemic) compared to their respective controls who received sugar placebos. The growth performance of the anemic children supplemented with iron was superior to that of anemic placebo treated children as indicated by a better weight gain and a significantly higher weight for height (p < 0.05). Weight for age was a good differentiator of the anemic from normal while weight for height was a good indicator of the impact of iron supplements on growth.