Iron supplementation in the pediatric population: an integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the pattern of iron supplements according to age. Evaluating, thus, the main benefits acquired with this medication. Methods: The methodological approach of this work proposes a compilation of bibliographic research with a qualitative approach and descriptive character through an integrative literature review in the National Library of Medicine, Virtual Health Library and Directory of Open Access Journals databases. The descriptors used were “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, “Infant” and “Supplements”. Inclusion criteria were articles from Newspaper Article, clinical trial, clinical trials, randomized or non-randomized, case-control studies, cohort study, free access, published in English, Portuguese, Spanish, between 2017 and 2022 and range age from birth to 23 months. Results: Prophylactic iron supplementation is a predictive strategy for stages where iron deficiency anemia is considered a serious stiffness problem. Various doses and periodic strategies were used. Final considerations: Thus, supplementation with ferrous sulfate 25 mg/ml is the best choice in prevention and treatment, since it has a better response to treatment, adherence and few adverse effects.