Association between composition of the diet and haemoglobin and ferritin levels in 18-month-old children

Objective: To investigate the associations between composition of the diet at 18 months of age and ferritin and haemoglobin levels. Design: Cross-sectional study. Subjects: A total of 796 children taking part in the Avon Longitudinal Stud y of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC). Main outcome measures: Food and nutrient intakes and haemoglobin and ferrit in levels at 18 months. Methods: Diet was assessed by a 3-day unweighed food record. A heel-prick c apillary blood sample was taken for measurement of ferritin and haemoglobin . Results: Ferritin levers were negatively associated with the amount of cows ' milk consumed (r = - 0.2462, P < 0.001) and calcium intake (equivalent to a 4-5% drop in ferritin levels for a 100 mg increase in energy adjusted ca lcium intake). Haemoglobin levels were positively associated with energy-ad justed vitamin C intake and were higher in children who ate any fruit (P = 0.024) or any vegetables (P = 0.030). The associations between nutrient int akes and ferritin and haemoglobin levels remained on adjustment for socio-d emographic factors. The prevalence of low haemoglobin levels was higher in those children who consumed no meat or poultry (28.8% vs 19.0% overall, P = 0.044). Conclusions: Higher levels of milk and dairy product consumption are associ ated with lower ferritin levels in children of this age, and over-reliance on these foods should be avoided. Fruit and vegetable consumption should be encouraged, and tile inclusion of a little meat or fish in the diet of sma ll children is advisable. Sponsorship: University of Bristol.