[The significance of iron in infant development and nutrition. I. Metabolism of iron]

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) for Quantification of Iron Redox Species (Fe(II), Fe(III))
04:48

Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) for Quantification of Iron Redox Species (Fe(II), Fe(III))

Published on: May 4, 2020

K Wasowska-Królikowska1, W J Baranowski

  • 1Klinika Gastroenterologii i Alergologii Dzieciecej Akademii Medycznej w Lodzi.

Medycyna Wieku Rozwojowego
|October 3, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Iron is crucial for child development, with daily requirements varying by age and sex. Infant iron deficiency can stem from blood loss and inadequate intake, impacting growth.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Hematology
  • Developmental Biology

Context:

  • Iron homeostasis is vital for child development.
  • Infant iron needs are influenced by growth and physiological losses.
  • Blood volume and iron content play a role in iron regulation.

Purpose:

  • To describe the role of iron in the child organism.
  • To analyze iron homeostasis regulation by blood.
  • To calculate average body iron content and daily iron requirements for children aged 0-2 years.

Summary:

  • Calculated average daily iron requirements for infants (0-2 years) range from 0.42 to 0.92 mg.
  • Physiological iron loss can account for up to 50% of daily requirements in the first two years.
  • Infant iron deficiency causes include blood loss, poor diet, and high growth demands.
  • Iron needs for development are independent of birth weight, but premature/low birth weight infants require 25-50% more iron after doubling birth weight.

Impact:

  • Provides essential data for pediatric iron intake recommendations.
  • Highlights the significance of monitoring iron status in infants, especially those at risk.
  • Informs strategies for preventing and managing infant iron deficiency.

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