Evaluation of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Healthy Infants Aged 6-12 Months: is Routine Screening Required?

Taha Metin; Elif Güler Kazancı; Deniz Güven; Ayşe Ören

doi:10.33533/jpm.v20i1.12642

Authors

Taha Metin Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa, Türkiye
Elif Güler Kazancı Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital , Bursa, Türkiye
Deniz Güven University of Health and Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
Ayşe Ören Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa, Türkiye

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33533/jpm.v20i1.12642

Keywords:

infant anemia, micronutrient deficiency, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, complementary feeding, public health

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies in infancy remain a hidden but preventable threat to growth, immunity, and neurodevelopment worldwide. Identifying these deficiencies early, particularly during the transition from exclusive breastfeeding to complementary feeding, is critical for shaping lifelong health. This cross-sectional study evaluated 500 healthy Turkish infants aged 4–12 months who attended routine pediatric visits. Complete blood count, ferritin, folic acid, vitamin B12, and 25(OH) vitamin D levels were retrospectively analyzed. Anemia was observed in 48.6% of infants, while ferritin, vitamin B12, and vitamin D deficiencies were detected in 28.6%, 20.4%, and 33.6% of cases, respectively. Vitamin B12 deficiency was most prevalent between 6 and 9 months (69.3%), coinciding with the onset of complementary feeding—a critical nutritional window. Despite national iron and vitamin D prophylaxis programs, subclinical deficiencies remain frequent, suggesting potential maternal and dietary gaps. These findings emphasize that maternal nutritional sufficiency, continuous infant supplementation, and tailored public health strategies are essential to protect neurodevelopmental outcomes and ensure optimal infant growth. Strengthening preventive policies could transform these silent deficiencies into an opportunity for healthier generations.

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