Comparing Iron Prophylaxis Strategies in Infants: Is Sucrosomial Iron a Better Alternative?

Abstract

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are prevalent during infancy. Timely iron prophylaxis can prevent associated irreversible complications. As part of the "Iron Like Turkey" program initiated in April 2004, iron prophylaxis is administered from the fourth month of life for at least 5 months. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of iron prophylaxis in our country and compare the effectiveness of different iron preparations used in prophylaxis. Between January 2021 and January 2024, the iron prophylaxis status of 248 healthy, full-term, breastfed infants 9 to 15 months old who were referred to the Pediatric Hematology outpatient clinic of Manisa City Hospital for various reasons was assessed. Iron prophylaxis was administered to 204 (82.3%) infants, of whom 92 (44.1%) had irregular usage. Among those receiving iron prophylaxis, 110 (53.9%) used Fe+3, while 94 (46.1%) used Sucrosomial Iron (SI). No infants received Fe+2 for prophylaxis. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was present in 142 (57.3%) cases. No significant difference was found between Fe+3and Sucrosomial Iron in terms of adherence and duration of prophylaxis (P>0.05). However, hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), ferritin, and transferrin saturation levels were significantly lower in the Sucrosomial Iron group compared with the Fe+3 group (P<0.05). Iron prophylaxis is an easy and effective method to prevent IDA. Both mothers during pregnancy and infants should receive prophylaxis on time and for an adequate duration. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of different iron formulations used in prophylaxis.