Dietary Survey of Anemic Infants and Young Children in Urban Areas of China: A Cross-Section Study

Background and Objectives: To explore the diet characteristics of anaemic infants and young children of China, blood tests and diets surveys were conducted in five cities. Methods and Study Design: About 150 children aged 6-36 mo were selected in a typical community health center of each city, and the total sample was 750. Nutritional status was measured through 24h dietary recall method and HEMO Cue was used for Haemoglobin concentration testing. Results: The average prevalence of anaemia was 17.2% in 6-12 mo children, which was higher than in other age groups. Median intakes of 8 nutrients (protein, vitamin A, B-1 and C, calcium, iron, zinc and copper) in anaemic children were less than non-anaemic children (p<0.05) in 6-12 mo olds; at age 12-24 mo the intake of vitamin A in anaemic children was less than in non-anaemic children (p<0.05). Market complementary food was the main source of iron in both anaemic and non-anaemic children (6-12 mo olds: 2.28 and 3.69 mg; 12-24 mo olds: 2.06 and 2.09 mg, respectively). Iron intake from formula was lower in anaemic children than in non-anaemic children (6-12 mo olds: 0.88 vs 2.54 mg; 12-24 mo olds: 1.59 vs 2.87 mg). The proportion of children obtaining continued breastfeeding in anaemic children was significantly higher than in non-anaemic children aged 6-12 mo (65% vs 37%, p<0.05). Conclusions: Appropriate practices around continuing breastfeeding and complementary feeding particularly targeted to breast fed older infants and young children are needed to reduce anaemia in infants and young children.