Iron Deficiency Anemia in Infancy—Pediatric Expert Opinions and Path Forward in Indian Context
Author(s): Adarsh Somashekar, OP Mahansaria, Nitesh Kumar Agarwal, Ravishankar Ayathu Venkata, Samik Hazra, Shalini Bhasin, Sharat Menon, Vaneet Parmar, Preethi Rahul*, Priya Karkera, Gunniah Setty Theegela
Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major global nutritional disorder and a persistent health burden in India. In infants, it can impair cognitive development, weaken immunity, and stunt growth. This study explored current approaches to screening and managing IDA in infants, emphasizing early diagnosis and intervention.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pediatricians across India using a pretested, validated online questionnaire. Data analysis identified correlations influencing iron supplementation practices.
Areas covered: The main areas of discussion included:
• Critical role of iron in infant growth and development, key signs of IDA, causes of IDA, and associated risk factors.
• Current clinical practices related to IDA screening, diagnosis, and management.
• Iron supplementation, including the use of iron-fortified complementary foods, in preventing and treating IDA during infancy.
Results: Among 413 pediatricians surveyed, 89.2% linked IDA in infants to poor iron-rich diets, and 85.9% to delayed complementary foods. Most pediatricians (69.2%) identified infants aged between 6 to 12 months as a high-risk group for IDA. A significant association was found between age group and the prescription of iron supplementation (p<0.001). Most experts preferred to prescribe iron supplementation starting at 4 or 6 months of age (46% and 41.9%, respectively). Based on the pediatricians’ opinions, preterm and low–birth-weight infants were likely to benefit from iron supplementation (86.9% and 89.1%, respectively).
Conclusion: The survey highlighted that infants aged 6 to 12 months are at high risk for IDA. Pediatricians favor bioavailable iron fortified nutrition solutions to address this critical need.