Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes
08:45

Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes

Published on: May 10, 2022

1.8K

Breastfeeding exclusively and iron deficiency anemia during the first 6 months of age

Rosa F S V Marques1, José A A C Taddei2, Fábio A Lopez3

  • 1Pediatrician, Professor, Department of Integral Health, State University of Pará, Pará, Brazil.

Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|June 12, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Exclusive breastfeeding protects infants from iron deficiency and anemia for the first four months. After four months, iron deficiency and anemia rates increase significantly in exclusively breastfed infants, necessitating iron level monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Science
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for infant nutrition.
  • Iron deficiency and anemia are significant global health concerns in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in exclusively breastfed infants aged 1-6 months.
  • To identify risk factors associated with these conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 102 healthy, full-term infants.
  • Hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were measured at 1, 4, and 6 months.
  • Maternal iron status was assessed postpartum.

Main Results:

  • At 4 months, 5.7% had iron deficiency and 3.4% had iron deficiency anemia.
  • By 6 months, iron deficiency rose to 26.1% and anemia to 23.9%.
  • Iron deficiency at 6 months correlated with growth velocity.

Conclusions:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding offers protection against iron deficiency and anemia up to 4 months.
  • Iron deficiency and anemia rates increase after 4 months in exclusively breastfed infants.
  • Monitoring iron levels in exclusively breastfed infants with rapid growth from 4 months is recommended.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect05:04

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect

Published on: September 22, 2023

1.3K
Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets08:12

Isolation of Leukocytes from Human Breast Milk for Use in an Antibody-dependent Cellular Phagocytosis Assay of HIV Targets

Published on: September 6, 2019

6.4K

Related Concept Videos

Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
1.2K
Fetal Circulation01:14

Fetal Circulation

Fetal circulation is a unique system that facilitates the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the developing fetus and the mother. This intricate process takes place through a special organ called the placenta.
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
5.0K
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
65
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
61
The Early Endosome: Endocytosis of Transferrin01:28

The Early Endosome: Endocytosis of Transferrin

Essential proteins such as insulin or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and micronutrients such as iron enter a eukaryotic cell through receptor-mediated endocytosis. Subsequently, the early endosomes fuse with the vesicles containing such receptor-ligand complexes and play a vital role in sorting the incoming ligands and receptors. While the ligands are either degraded inside the vesicle or released into the cytosol, their receptors are returned to the plasma membrane for further rounds of...
4.1K
Parental Care00:55

Parental Care

Many animals exhibit parental care behavior, including feeding, grooming, and protecting young offspring. Parental care is universal in mammals and birds, which often have young that are born relatively helpless. Several species of insects and fish, as well as some amphibians, also care for their young.
11.6K