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Iron retention in preterm infants fed low iron intakes: a metabolic balance study

Ian Griffin1, Richard J Cooke

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Davis, 2516 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. ijgriffin@ucdavis.edu

Early Human Development
|February 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Iron retention in preterm infants is adequate with intakes around 1 mg/kg/day, despite being lower than recommended. Studies show iron retention increases over time and supports growth needs.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Nutrition
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Mineral Metabolism

Background:

  • Limited data exists on iron retention in healthy preterm infants.
  • Current recommendations for iron intake in preterm infants are higher than typically provided.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate iron retention in preterm infants.
  • To assess iron requirements for growth and red cell mass expansion.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted 24 metabolic balance studies in 13 preterm infants (17-63 days old).
  • Administered an iron intake of 1.11 mg/kg/day.
  • Performed balance studies 7 days apart in 11 infants.

Main Results:

  • Iron retention was positive in most infants, increasing significantly between initial and subsequent balance studies.
  • Iron retention was positively correlated with the duration of enteral feeding.
  • Observed iron retention exceeded estimated requirements for growth and red cell mass expansion.

Conclusions:

  • Iron intakes of approximately 1 mg/kg/day appear sufficient for preterm infant growth during this period.
  • This intake is lower than the estimated fetal accretion rate.
  • Further research may refine optimal iron supplementation strategies for preterm infants.

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