Impact of maternal anemia on the infant's iron status at 9 months of age.

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.