Anaemia in young children—a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen—remains a serious health concern in many countries, including Peru. Researchers wanted to know whether a mother's body weight affects her child's risk of developing anaemia between ages 6 months and 5 years.
The study analysed data from 16,973 children and their mothers across Peru, using national health survey information collected in 2024. Researchers looked at maternal BMI (a measure of body weight relative to height) and compared it to whether their children had anaemia and their blood iron levels.
Mother's weight doesn't predict anaemia risk—but does link to blood iron
The main finding was surprising: a mother's BMI category (underweight, normal, overweight, or obese) was not directly linked to whether her child developed anaemia. This means you cannot predict a child's anaemia risk simply by knowing the mother's weight.
However, the study did find a small positive link with blood iron levels. Children whose mothers had obesity showed haemoglobin levels (a protein that carries oxygen) about 0.72 g/dL higher than children of normal-weight mothers. For every 1-point increase in maternal BMI, children's haemoglobin rose by 0.07 g/dL.
The finding is specific to Peru and needs follow-up
This research comes from Peru, where anaemia patterns and population characteristics differ from Singapore. The study design was cross-sectional, meaning it captured a snapshot in time and cannot prove that maternal weight directly causes changes in child blood iron—only that they appear together. Researchers themselves noted that longer-term studies are needed to confirm these connections and understand why this pattern exists.
Strengthen your child's nutrition through multiple approaches
- Ensure your child eats iron-rich foods (meat, eggs, legumes) from 6 months onward, regardless of your own weight.
- Include vitamin C sources (citrus, tomatoes) with iron-rich meals to improve iron absorption.
- Have your child's blood checked if you notice signs of anaemia (pale skin, tiredness, poor appetite).