Advantages Of Using Iron Bis-glycinate With Iron Deficiency In Children Under 3 Years Old

Background: Iron is an essential element of the daily diet. The main part of iron is required for the synthesis of red blood cells and the binding of oxygen to hemoglobin. Iron deficiency anemia in infants and young children is associated with a delay in the development of cognitive functions. The determination of hemoglobin (or hematocrit) is not the optimal indicator for identifying children at risk for iron deficiency. The developmental effects of iron deficiency anemia, such as psychomotor retardation, are known, but there is not enough data regarding the role of iron deficiency without the development of anemia.

Materials and methods: We studied 40 children aged from 6 to 36 months with mild iron deficiency anemia (erythrocytes 5.05 x 10 12 / l, hemoglobin 10–11 g / dl). One group of 20 children received ferric iron at a dose of 2-4 mg Fe / kg / day), and the other (20 children) received iron bis-glycinate at a dose of 7.5 mg Fe daily for 30 days.

Results: Both groups had an increase in hemoglobin for 3 weeks. The group receiving iron bis-glycinate had a significant increase in serum ferritin even after discontinuation of the drug. The number of side effects (diarrhea, intestinal colic, atopic dermatitis) in the second group was less (15% vs. 5%, respectively).

Conclusions: We concluded that iron bis-glycinate can be recommended for the treatment of children with iron deficiency anemia, given its high bioavailability.