ASSESSMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN WITHOUT ANZEMIA

A study is reported in which iron deficiency without anaemia was investigated in children aged between six and 36 months. Following the initial investigations, including fragiligram studies, the children were randomized in a double blind fashion and given either iron therapy or a placebo mixture. Three months later, investigations were repeated. Response to iron therapy was recorded with fragiligram testing. The other haematological indices did not change significantly. In association with iron therapy there was also a significant weight gain. Fragiligram testing Is useful in detecting underlying iron deficiency in children.