Title:How Much Iron is Needed for Breastfeeding Infants?
Volume: 11
Issue: 4
Author(s): Frank R. Greer
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Breastfeeding, infants, iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, neurodevelopment.
Abstract: The iron requirement for breastfed infants remains controversial. Given the impact of iron
on neurodevelopmental outcomes and the questionable impact of iron supplements after iron deficiency
has occurred, its importance as a nutrient in this population cannot be down played. Infants are
born with relatively large body stores of iron that are marginally related to maternal iron status in developed
countries. Delayed cord clamping may increase these fetal stores, but at the present time this
is only recommended for preterm infants who are born with low iron stores. The diagnosis of iron deficiency
(ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains problematic though new laboratory tests
(measures of reticulocyte hemoglobin concentration and serum transferrin receptor) hold promise in
developed countries. The present evidence supports the potential benefits of iron supplementation of exclusively breastfed
infants after 4 months of age, by which time the iron stores present at birth are depleted. This deficit cannot be made up
even if the small amounts of iron in human milk are completely absorbed.
