Transferrin receptor in children and its correlation with iron status and types of milk consumption.

AIM This study compared transferrin receptor (TfR) concentrations with iron parameters relative to a child's intake of cow's milk and follow-on formula. METHODS TfR, beta-haemoglobin, serum ferritin and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of red blood cells were analysed in a study population of 263 children aged 2.5 y. The amounts of cow's milk and follow-on formula consumed were recorded. RESULTS There was a significant difference in concentrations of TfR/log ferritin between children whose milk intake was < 500 ml and those with a milk intake > or = 500 ml (p = 0.003). There were significantly higher values of TfR/log ferritin in children whose MCV of red blood cells was < or = 75 fl than in those with > 75 fl (p < 0.0001). The TfR concentrations were significantly lower after iron therapy than before treatment. CONCLUSION Higher concentrations of TfR were correlated with lower concentrations of haemoglobin and MCV of red blood cells. Milk consumption increases the risk of a higher ratio of TfR/log ferritin. TfR concentrations were significantly lower after iron therapy.