Background: Deficiencies of critical micronutrients such as iron, folate or iodine can lead to impaired cognitive functions due to their decisive role in brain development. In addition to anemia iron deficiencies, stunting is a known risk factor for impaired child development. Several studies have documented the relationship between cognitive ability and stunting in young children in developing country, but few have explored it within toddler-aged children. The aim of this study was to compare the iron profiles in children with stunting and normal stature.
Methods: We performed a comparative cross-sectional study in 198 subjects aged 1-3 years, classified as stunted children (z score <-2, WHO 2006) or non-stunted children (between -2 and +2 z score, WHO 2006) conducted at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in low economic urban area, Jakarta. Anthropometric data were recorded using a standardized technique by trained personal. Measurement of serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC) was performed using colorimetric enzymatic and ferritin using electrocheminulescent method.
Result: We found there was no different significant between stunted and non-stunted children in SI, TIBC, and UIBC. Ferritin has a significant difference between stunted 18.7 ng/mL (21.8-76.5 ng/mL) and non-stunted children 21.3 ng/mL (28.3-111 ng/mL).
Discussion: Measurement of ferritin actually referred its apoferritin reflecting storage iron. This study showed that in stunted children had lower protein intake affecting protein binding iron.
Conclusion: Nutritional stunting early in life appears to be associated with altered iron storage protein.