Parinthorn Pol-amorn, MD¹, Nuanluck Yupensuk, MD¹

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional education combined with nutrition and iron supplementation reminders compared with standard iron supplementation over a 3-month period in preventing iron deficiency anemia among infants aged 6 to 12 months.

Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 49 infants aged 6 to 12 months at Naresuan University Hospital. Participants were randomized into three groups: nutritional reminder for iron-rich food, iron supplements reminder, and standard therapy. All groups received a weekly ferrous sulfate 12.5 mg. Data collected included general information, caregiver, family background, nutritional habits prior to the study, adherence to iron-rich food, and iron supplementation. Complete blood count (CBC) results were compared before and after the study.

Results: The nutritional reminder group for iron-rich foods had a mean daily elemental iron intake from food of 1.88±0.99 mg/day, which was higher than the other groups but not statistically significant. Comparing blood test results among subgroups revealed that children consuming iron-rich food daily and adhering to prescribed iron supplementation showed increased post-study hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Specifically, the nutritional reminder for iron-rich food groups showed a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin levels by 0.47±0.78 g/dL.

Conclusion: The outcome of the nutritional reminder for iron-rich food and the iron supplements reminder on iron deficiency anemia for prevention in infants is not superior compared to standard treatment in children aged 6 to 12 months. The nutritional reminder for iron-rich food groups showed a statistically significant increase in hemoglobin level. Therefore, nutritional education with prophylactic iron supplementation remains essential in preventing iron deficiency anemia.

Received 8 October 2025 | Revised 8 January 2026 | Accepted 9 January 2026

DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2026.4.03201