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Child Health

Trends in Blood Lead Levels Among Children Enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children From 1996 to 2000

Data from the Wisconsin Childhood Lead-Poisoning Prevention Program were analyzed to examine the distribution and trends in elevated blood lead levels among WIC-enrolled children from 1996 until 2000. According to the study, higher blood lead levels were seen among WIC-enrolled children. And, although statistically not significant, the rate that blood lead levels declined among WIC-enrolled children was greater than the rate among non-WIC-enrolled children.

Nutrient Intakes and Food Choices of Infants and Toddlers Participating in WIC

Using data from the 2002 Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS), the researchers examines the nutrient intakes, foods consumed, and feeding patterns of infants and toddlers participating in WIC. Results found that infants enrolled in WIC were less likely to have been breastfed, compared with other US children. Significant numbers of WIC and non-WIC toddlers did not consume enough fruits and vegetables.

An Innovative Blood Lead Screening Program for Indian Children

The authors' goal was to screen Indian children on the reservation who were participating in WIC and Head Start. researchers screened close to 100% of the young children on the Rocky Boy reservation. The average blood lead level for these Indian children, ages 1 to 5, was 2.4 micrograms/dL, which is not significantly different from that of children of the same age nationally.

The Impact of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children on Child Health

The authors used data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to analyze the effect of the WIC Program and other factors on the health of US preschool children. Findings revealed that the WIC Program had a significant positive impact on the overall health of children. In particular, children in households participating in WIC were significantly more likely to be in excellent health.