![]() However, despite innumerable nutritional advantages, emerging reports have shown that prolonged or exclusive breastfeeding was associated with certain nutrient deficiency such as iron 1, 2, zinc 3, 4, and vitamin D 5, 6, 7, 8. ![]() ![]() Whether this was associated with underlying inadequate serum vitamin D and iron level remains an important issue to be explored.īenefits of breastfeeding are unquestionable, and breast milk contains all the necessary nutrients for proper infant growth. Their growth became relatively slower after infancy. In conclusion, children who were exclusively breastfed for longer than 4 months without proper supplement were more likely to have transient iron deficiency anemia and persistent vitamin D insufficiency. Anthropometric measurements showed exclusively breastfed children to have lower mean z-scores for body weight and height when compared to mixed-fed children after 12 months. However, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency remained persistently high throughout the first three years of life (60% at 1 to 44% at 3 years). ![]() Longitudinal follow-up showed the prevalence of iron deficiency to decrease from 34% at 1 year to 2% at age 3 years. Thus, after 1 year, the odds for having iron deficiency anemia and vitamin D insufficiency were 9 and 6, respectively. The results showed that despite official recommendations on vitamin D/iron supplements for breastfed children, less than 10% of our exclusively breastfed children received regular supplements. Clinical records and questionnaires on dietary habits were obtained. Tests for 25(OHD), ferritin, zinc and complete blood count were performed yearly until 3 years of age. Anthropometric measurements of the children were obtained during scheduled clinical visits. This study aimed to compare the trajectory of serum 25(OH)D, micronutrient levels, and anthropometric measurements between exclusively breastfed and mixed-fed children. ![]()
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