The effects of delayed umbilical cord clamping, compared to early clamping, on iron stores and anemia status in high-risk infants were studied in a randomized control trial in Nepal. The authors found that delayed cord clamping resulted in higher levels of hemoglobin, lower anemia prevalence, and lower risk for iron deficiency at both 8 and 12 months of age, compared to the early clamping group. It is concluded that delayed cord clamping is an effective preventive intervention against anemia, potentially supporting infants for 12 months after delivery.
Ashish, K., Rana, N., Malqvist, M., et. al., JAMA Pediatrics (March 2017).