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Babies born of low-birth weight can face many hurdles in their first few months of life. One of those hurdles is possible iron deficiency which can lead to behavioral problems. A new study out of Sweden gives new evidence that using an iron supplement for low-birth weight babies can help reduce the risk of behavioral issues.
In the study, 285 low-birth weight babies were randomly assigned a placebo or an iron supplement. The iron dosage was directed to be 1 to 2mg of iron per each kilogram. Parents of the baby participants were not told whether their child was on the supplement of the placebo and nor could they tell through the process what their child was receiving.
Babies took their supplement or placebo over the course of 6 weeks to 6 months after birth. These children were later observed around the age of 3.5 years. Each child was given tests designed to assess their intelligence levels, as well as behavioral issues. Behavioral issues were found in 12.7 percent of the children who had not received the supplement. Of those 19 children, 15 were found to have an iron intake of less than 1mg/kg per day. Children who had taken the iron supplement, and those of regular birth weight, were compared to these findings. In their groups, only 3% of the subjects showed behavioral problems.
Researchers are not overly surprised by the results that babies with lower amounts of daily iron had behaviors. It is currently recommended, by the American Academy of Pediatrics that babies of low-birth weight receive iron supplements starting at 1 month of age. This is highly recommended as babies of low-birth weight grow rapidly, like other children, and may not have received enough iron from their mothers, especially if they were premature. It is recommended that babies of healthy birth weights start a routine of iron supplements at 4 months of age.
The current recommendations for iron supplementing are mainly for babies who are breastfed, as most formulas already contain a supplement. There is much more work to be done, both in studying low-birth weight babies as well as the productivity of iron supplementing in healthy children. Many supplements are available, specifically formulated for infants and toddlers including Enfamil’s Fer In Sol Iron Supplement Drops. It is recommended that parents speak with their pediatricians before starting any course of supplements. Additionally, if your baby is of low-birth weight, it is important to speak about supplements with a pediatrician sooner rather than later.
Mountainside Medical Equipment is a proud supplier of Enfamil’s Fer In Sol Iron Supplement Drops and offers it at a great, low price. Make your purchase by placing an order online, through our website, or by calling 1-888-687-4334 and speaking with one of our knowledgeable Medical Supply Specialists.
Sources:
Reuters - Health - http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/10/us-iron-behavioralissues-idUSBRE8B90BR20121210
My Health News Daily - http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/3343-iron-supplement-behavior-problems.html
MedPage Daily - http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/GeneralPediatrics/36357
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