Iron prophylaxis increases dna damage and oxidative stress at 6 months age

Objective: Many countries start iron prophylaxis for all infants at 4 months of age. However, some infants may not need iron prophylaxis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of iron prophylaxis on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and oxidant system. Methods: In our country, all infants start iron prophylaxis at 4 months old according to the "Iron-like Turkey" project. Infants at 6 months of age are included in the study. Group 1 was composed of infants under iron prophylaxis. Infants not under iron prophylaxis are enrolled in Group 2. Groups are compared in respect to epidemiologic features, anemia indices, iron parameters, DNA damage and oxidant-antioxidant activity. Results: Thirty-eight infants recieved iron prophylaxis and twenty-six infants did not recieve iron prophylaxis. Thirty-one were male and thirty three were female. The average weight did not differ between groups (8148±894 gr vs 8173±1024 gr p=0,918). Hemoglobin and blood iron levels did not differ between groups. Hemoglobin (11,33±0,789 g/dl vs 11,08±0,966 g/dl p=0,261), ferritin (33,1 (7,6-237) ng/ml vs 30,4 (1,8-124) ng/ml p=0,505), blood iron level (45,5 (23-127) ug/dl vs 51,5 (18-124) ug/dl p=0,738), iron binding capacity (317,13±44,06 ug/dl vs 337,92±76,84 ug/dl p= 0,228), transferrin (258,36±39,8 mg/dl vs 275,84±61,3 mg/dl p=0,218). Compared to Group 2, Group 1 had significantly higher DNA damage (41.05 vs 27.78 p = 0.000) and oxidant activity (12.47 vs 10.75 p = 0.000) Conclusion: Iron prophylaxis results in significant DNA damage and oxidative stress in six month old infants. Dietary enrichment of iron instead of iron drops may be a more appropriate option for iron supply.