Effectiveness of a school nutrition program for preventing iron deficiency anemia in school children

Abstract EN

Abstract: Background: Iron deficiency Anemia (IDA) is one of the most common widespread nutritional disorders, affecting large number of children and women in developing countries Objective: To determine the effectiveness of school nutrition program that offers an iron fortified food item Methodology: The present study included 60 schoolchildren, first grade 3 primary schools from Nasr City-Cairo during academic year 2016.

Males represented 43.3%, while female school children were 56.7% .

Results: The prevalence of IDA in studied school children is 40%.

The mean weight of children after iron supplementation was significantly higher than before (23.87 ±5.02, 24.96 ±5.30 Kgm, t= 4.42, P<0.000).

There are no significant differences between the mean values of Hematological parameters before & after iron supplementation (P > 0.05).

The mean values of ferritin and Iron were significantly higher after iron supplementation.

In anemic children (24), HT & S Iron were significantly higher after supplementation (t= - 2.158.

P=.042, t=-4.141, P=.000, respectively).

Gender Statistics among anemic children showed no significant differences (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Hematological and Iron biochemical parameters with significant values have been used in the diagnosis and follow up of iron deficiency anemia in children as they give accurate information about iron stores and response to iron therapy.