This study analyzes data from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2003 and 2014 in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to examine associations between prenatal iron supplementation and/or deworming and anemia in children 6-23 months. Researchers found that risk of moderate or severe anemia among the children was reduced when mothers took iron for at least six months, deworming medicine alone, or deworming medicine with iron. Prenatal anemia control interventions, however, were not associated with reduced risk of mild anemia in young children in SSA. Authors concluded that prenatal iron supplements should be taken for at least 6 months or with deworming drugs to reduce the risk of moderate/severe anemia in children.
Maternal and Child Nutrition, October 2016