Effect of Iron Polymaltose Complex Prophylaxis on Frequency of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of national iron prophylaxis policy in 9-12 mo-old infants in Turkey.

Methods: This study was planned as a cross-sectional study, and it included healthy infants aged 9 to 12 mo who presented to the pediatric outpatient clinic for routine check-ups. Parents were interviewed to identify risk factors for iron deficiency (ID) and gather information on Fe - iron polymaltose complex (IPC) prophylaxis usage. Blood samples were collected for hemogram and ferritin analysis. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine risk factors for ID and iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

Results: The study included 317 infants. In the non-prophylaxis group, the frequency of IDA was 31.1%, compared to 13.4% in the regular prophylaxis group. Iron deficiency was detected in 25% of individuals receiving regular prophylaxis and 13.1% of those without prophylaxis. The risk factors for IDA were insufficient iron diets (OR 2.45, 95% CI: 1.35-4.45) and not receiving Fe - IPC prophylaxis (OR 2.57, 95% CI: 1.24-5.31). The relationship between Fe - IPC prophylaxis and ID did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.253).

Conclusions: Fe - IPC prophylaxis is associated with a lower risk of iron deficiency anemia, but not iron deficiency.