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Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique logoLink to Canadian Journal of Public Health = Revue Canadienne de Santé Publique
. 2002 May 1;93(3):203–207. doi: 10.1007/BF03405001

Impact of Maternal Anemia on the Infant’s Iron Status at 9 Months of Age

Nadya Savoie 1, France M Rioux 1,✉
PMCID: PMC6980000  PMID: 12050988

Abstract

Background: Iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy is still common in developed countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of maternal anemia on the infant’s iron status at 9 months of age in Moncton, NB.

Methods: Mothers giving birth between April 1998 and February 1999 were selected from medical records. A letter was sent to invite them to participate. In total, 75 mothers with their infants were examined.

Results: The proportion of iron-deficiency anemia was higher (p = 0.055) in the group born to anemic compared to non-anemic mothers. A positive association between the mother’s haemoglobin and haematocrit during her 3rd trimester and her infant’s haemoglobin and haematocrit was found at 9 months of age. These results are not explained by differences in feeding practices and socio-economic status between groups.

Interpretation: Infants born to mildly anemic mothers may be at risk of developing anemia.

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