Advancing pediatric care with iron: the role of early supplementation in preterm infants

At IMCID 2025, Prof. San-Nan Yang underscores the critical role of iron in early development and calls for wider awareness and innovation in neonatal supplementation protocols.

The 9th International Multidisciplinary Course on Iron Deficiency (IMCID) brought attention to the urgent need for improved iron management strategies in vulnerable populations. One of the most compelling voices in this area was Prof. San-Nan Yang, pediatrician at the Department of Pediatrics, E-Da Hospital, Taiwan, who shared his clinical perspective on the impact of iron deficiency in infancy, particularly among preterm babies.

Doctor Yang, from your perspective, what makes this year’s IMCID edition particularly relevant?

This has been an incredibly valuable meeting. We’ve explored how iron, as a key nutritional element, supports not only general organ function but also plays a decisive role in vulnerable groups—like pediatric and preterm patients. What stood out to me is how this new generation of iron supplements, particularly Sucrosomial® iron, could revolutionize neonatal care.
In pediatrics, especially neonatology, this form of supplementation is still not widely known, even though it’s already well established in adult medicine. If we can extend this knowledge to expecting mothers and pediatric professionals, we can improve iron status in newborns and significantly enhance their long-term quality of life.

Iron deficiency in early life can have long-term consequences. What are the key takeaways from IMCID regarding prevention?

Preterm babies are among the most vulnerable. Once they leave the womb, they must rely on their own bodies to produce red blood cells, which is a delayed process due to their immature bone marrow. This delay impacts the development of multiple organs. What we’re seeing now—also based on clinical experience—is that timely supplementation with Sucrosomial® iron can accelerate maturation. In my personal practice, we’ve noticed that preterm babies receiving adequate iron support are weaning off oxygen support earlier. That means they’re less exposed to oxygen toxicity—a major concern in neonatal care.

How does iron deficiency affect neurodevelopment in infants and children, and what protocols are proving most effective?

Iron is essential to deliver oxygen to every organ, but the brain is especially sensitive during early development. Brain cells require a continuous and adequate oxygen supply to mature properly. Without it, neurodevelopment can be delayed. In the past, we struggled with conventional iron salts like ferric hydroxide, which caused gastrointestinal upset and made consistent supplementation difficult. Now, newer formulations like Sucrosomial® iron can provide that needed support without the side effects, ensuring sufficient oxygenation and nutrient delivery to the developing brain.

Are there new insights into managing iron deficiency in preterm infants? And what role do fortification programs play?

Yes, and this is where things get exciting. What I appreciate most about IMCID is its focus on groups that don’t usually receive much commercial attention — like preterm infants. Companies involved in cutting-edge nutrition are now starting to invest in these populations not for profit, but because it’s the right thing to do.This shift opens the door to more collaborative clinical studies and stronger evidence-based protocols. But we also need to spread the word. Many doctors globally don’t have access to this kind of research. It’s essential for institutions and companies to implement global awareness programs, so that more physicians — from every corner of the world — can learn about and apply these innovations.

At IMCID 2025, Dr. Yang made a powerful case for innovation, awareness, and equity in pediatric iron supplementation. As science advances, so too must our global strategies — ensuring that every child, no matter where they are born, receives the nutritional support they need for a healthy start in life.

The Abstract Book of the 9^th IMCID – International Multidisciplinary Course on Iron Deficiency, held in Palermo (Sicily, Italy) from 3 to 4 April 2025, has been published as Supplement n°3 of the last issue of May 2025 of the international journal Blood Transfusion (IF=2.4).
Download the abstract book here!