The company recently completed a study in conjunction with researchers from the Universiti Malaya Medical Centerwhich found that one in three children aged six to 36 months in Malaysia were at risk of iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
Known as the Iron Strong Study, the research was conducted as part of the company’s plans to raise awareness about iron deficiency anemia among young children in Southeast Asia, Angie Low, ISEA Health Innovation, ISEA Health Innovation, Medical Affairs & Market Access Director, Danone said. NutraIngredients-Asia.
The study, which involved 1,201 children, found that those aged six to 12 months were at increased risk of IDA compared with those aged 12 to 36 months. The prevalence of ADH was 34.5 percent in the former and 27.7 in the latter.
Underweight children were also more likely to have anemia, according to the findings that are now being further analysed.
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is not enough iron to support healthy red blood cell production and is one of the most common types of anemia.
“This is the first and largest study we have conducted on IDA in Malaysia so far.
“Anemia is very common in Southeast Asia. If you look at the latest Malaysia National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) from 2022, almost 50 per cent of children under the age of five have anemia and this is the highest rate we have ever had in Malaysia.” Low said, adding that anemia could affect children’s brains and overall growth in the long term.
The study would also provide new insights into nutritional status and ways to address ADI among young children.
The Iron Strong study will also be conducted in Cambodia and possibly Thailand as well, two of the countries where young children face high rates of anemia along with Malaysia and Indonesia, Low said.
“We are also thinking of completing our study in Thailand and also starting one in Cambodia using a similar approach.” she said
Product Updates
Aside from the research, the company had also worked to improve the dietary iron content of its nutritional products for young children.
For example, milk formulas launched under the Dugro NextGen Nutri brand with Zat Besi Aktif (active iron substance) have been enhanced to contain iron and vitamin C in a 1:3 ratio, in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation.
The improved formulas were released in the year 2021.
“This unique formula plays a crucial role in doubling iron absorption in children, as well as providing other essential nutrients such as DHA, calcium, 21 vitamins and minerals to support optimal growth and development in children.
“It is important to consume iron along with vitamin C during the same meal as vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron,”Bass explained.
He added that children between the ages of one and three years could achieve 100 percent of their recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for iron by drinking three glasses of the formula per day.
Sensitization
As part of its IDA research, the company will promote widespread screening for anemia using a non-invasive device.
Anemia is usually assessed by using a fingerstick device to measure the amount of total hemoglobin in the blood. Children under five years of age are considered anemic if the total hemoglobin is less than 11 g/dL.
However, because finger pricking is considered an invasive method that both parents and young children avoid, Danone recommends the use of a non-invasive device in the hope of improving the detection rate of anemia.
Total hemoglobin levels could be measured simply by placing the device on the finger. Under this method, a child is at risk of anemia if the total hemoglobin level is less than 12 g/dL.
“EITHERne of our strategies is to continue investing in R&D, in particular, leveraging on non-invasive screening tools to identify the risk of anemia in children.
“Second, it’s about working closely with healthcare professionals and government stakeholders on how we can promote more proactive early childhood screening for anemia, particularly in government health screening clinics.” she said
Starting in August, Danone will also hold roadshows at 40 locations in Malaysia, including selected supermarket chains such as Aeon Big, Giant, Lotus, Mydin, where free anemia screening will be offered to young children.
“We want to raise awareness of good nutrition and empower nutrition-savvy parents, so that they are equipped with the right knowledge on how they can improve their child’s nutritional intake.”
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