Determination of iron, iron binding capacity, ferritin, hematocrit, hemoglobin levels and to evaluation their food consumption in children between the aged of 2-5 years with problem lack of appeti̇te

This study was carried out to evaluate the hematological parameters in children without appetite and to investigate the iron deficiency anemis and to determine their eating habits. 60 participants (22 girls, 38 boys) aged between 2 and 5 years who were referred to the Kocaeli İlgi Children's Medical Center Child Health and Disease department policlinics complaining of loss of appetite were included. Participants questioned their personal characteristics, infant nutrition, health status, physical activity and interest area, nutritional status; the frequency of food consumption, the three-day food consumption record and laboratory findings were applied. The data were evaluated using NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System) 2007 (Kaysville, Utah, US) and BEBIS (nutrition information system). It was found that 93.3% of the children eat regular breakfast, 63.3% eat regular lunch, and 90% eat regular dinner. 75% of the children were found not to have intermittent meal habits and the average daily calorie intake was 661,07 ± 142,94. On average, 44.6% of daily calories were found to be from carbohydrates, 15.2% from proteins and 39% from oils. According to daily food consumption frequency, the most consumed foods were cereal group (96.7%), milk and milk group (71.7%), fat group (26.7%) and fruit group (21.7). Hemoglobin values of all children were 11.10 ± 1.03, hematocrit values 32.86 ± 2.36 and ferritin values 19.70 ± 15.53 in the blood results. There is no significant difference between these values for girls and boys. 55% of the children had anemia of iron deficiency and there was no significant relationship between RIA and loss of appetite. 55% of the children had anemia of iron deficiency and there was no significant relationship between this and loss of appetite.