Hemoglobin concentration, breastfeeding and complementary feeding in the first year of life

Objective To assess the relationship between hemoglobin concentration and breastfeeding and complementary feeding during the first years of life. Methods Cross-sectional study with 553 children under age 12 months, who attended public healthcare facilities. Hemoglobin concentration was measured by the cyanmethaemoglobin method, using the HemoCue system. Associations of interest were analyzed through multiple linear regression. Results Hemoglobin concentrations compatible with anemia were identified in 62.8% of the children studied, with greater occurrence among the 6-12 months age group (72.6%). Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life was associated with the highest levels of hemoglobin. The remaining feeding regimes were associated with different levels of reduction in hemoglobin levels, which became compatible with anemia in children fed with formula (p=0,009). Tea and/or water consumption was associated with a reduction in hemoglobin concentration of 0.76 g/dl (p<0,001) among children under age 6 months. For children aged 6-12 months, hemoglobin concentrations increased significantly with the consumption of sugar (p=0.017) and beans (p=0.018), and decreased significantly with the consumption of fruit (p<0.001). Conclusions Exclusive breastfeeding until age 6 months and continuation of breastfeeding after this age, combined with qualitatively and quantitatively appropriate feeding may contribute towards an increase in hemoglobin concentration in the first year of life.