| Summary: | The weaning period is a time when children are at risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia. The COMA Report (Department of Health, 1994) recommends dietary and nutritional information be available for the first two years of life. The main aim of this research was to provide information regarding quality and provision of dietary iron, zinc and copper for this period, the effect these had on biochemical and haematological markers, growth and development. The study also aimed to identify the role red meat has in providing dietary iron in comparison to white meat and non-meat diets. 193 subjects were recruited from within Surrey, Hampshire and London boroughs of Chiswick, Brentford and Houslow. Subjects were allocated to one of five dietary groups dependent on the type and amount of meats consumed. Dietary assessment, using 7-day weighed records, and anthropometric measurements were undertaken at four monthly intervals, biochemical and haematological measurements were assessed on three occasions. Psychomotor assessment was completed at 20 months of age. Analysis of dietary intake results showed significant differences for a range of nutrients (energy, protein, and folate) at different ages and within different dietary groups. Whilst no significant differences for zinc intakes were seen between dietary groups, iron intakes in the mixed meat groups and the non-meat groups were significantly different from 16 months of age onwards. Copper intakes at 24 months were highly significantly different between non-meat and mixed meat groups. Anthropometric results highlighted differences in weight growth velocities and z-scores between birth and 4 months of age within mixed meat groups and Ponderal Index scores were significantly different at 8 months of age within mixed meat groups. No statistically significant difference in haematology, biochemistry parameters or psychomotor development was identified between groups. This study has provided detailed information on the dietary intakes of children under 2 years of age. This study has not identified that inclusion of meat in the diet leads to enhanced iron status or reduction in the incidence of IDA in children under 2 years old. No negative effect on growth and psychomotor development was seen at 20 months of age in children who consumed no meat in their diet.
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