Early Childhood Caries and Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#anemia-iron-deficiency #child #child-preschool #cross-sectional-studies #dental-caries

Early Childhood Caries and Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Easwaran et al., 2022 | Caries Res | Meta Analysis

Citation

Easwaran Harshini Nivetha, Annadurai Anitha, ... Wadgave Umesh. Early Childhood Caries and Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Caries Res. 2022;56(1):36-46. doi:10.1159/000520442

Abstract

Identification of the association between Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) will aid paediatricians and paediatric dentists to enhance health promotion measures to reduce the related morbidity in children. This systematic review aims to determine an evidence-based association between ECC and IDA. A systematic search was carried out from MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, Cochrane Oral Health Group's Specialized Register, CINAHL via EBSCO, Web of Science, and Scopus up to May 2020. Hand searching and grey literature screening were also conducted. Cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies in English language which assessed the association was included. Two reviewers independently assessed the study quality and extracted the outcome data. A total of 1,434 studies were identified. Fourteen studies qualified for qualitative review and 7 of them for a meta-analysis. In comparison with children not affected by ECC, those affected had an increased likelihood of IDA (OR = 6.07 [3.61, 10.21]). The meta-analysis showed no statistical difference when comparing blood parameters (Hb, MCV, and serum ferritin) in children with and without ECC. This systematic review demonstrates an association between ECC and increased odds of IDA rather than it being the cause for IDA. Further longitudinal studies with robust methodology are required to determine an evidence-based association.

Key Findings

Further longitudinal studies with robust methodology are required to determine an evidence-based association.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1434
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dental Caries
  • Dental Caries Susceptibility
  • Humans
  • Iron Deficiencies

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: iron

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09