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Iron absorption from infant milk formula and the optimal level of iron supplementation
Insights
Infant iron absorption from milk formula increases with higher iron concentrations. At least 7 mg of iron per liter is recommended to prevent iron deficiency in infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Iron Metabolism
- Infant Health
Background:
- Iron deficiency is a significant concern in infant nutrition.
- Proprietary milk formulas are a primary source of nutrition for infants.
- Understanding iron absorption from these formulas is crucial for preventing deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying iron concentrations in proprietary milk formula on iron absorption in healthy infants.
- To determine the minimum iron concentration required in formula to prevent iron deficiency.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 30 healthy infants aged 11-13 months.
- Infants were divided into three groups receiving formulas with different iron concentrations (0.8, 6.8, and 12.8 mg/L).
- Iron absorption was calculated from a 50 ml test dose of formula.
Main Results:
- Iron absorption increased significantly with higher iron concentrations in the formula.
- Average iron absorption was 5 µg (0.8 mg/L), 32 µg (6.8 mg/L), and 43 µg (12.8 mg/L).
- No correlation was observed between iron absorption and standard iron status indicators (hemoglobin, MCV, transferrin saturation, ferritin) within normal ranges.
Conclusions:
- Iron absorption from proprietary milk formula is dose-dependent.
- A minimum iron concentration of approximately 7 mg/L of ferrous sulfate in formula is suggested to be necessary for preventing iron deficiency in infants.
- Further research may be warranted to confirm optimal iron fortification levels.
Abstract:
Thirty healthy infants, aged 11-13 months, were studied with regard to the iron absorption from proprietary milk formula. The infants were divided into three groups (I-III) depending on the concentration of iron in the formula: 0.8 (I), 6.8 (II), and 12.8 (III) mg/l, respectively. The calculated amount of iron absorbed per test dose of 50 ml of milk averaged 5 microgram (I), 32 microgram (II), and 43 microgram (III). Group I differed significantly from groups II and III. No correlation was found between iron absorption and hemoglobin, MCV, serum transferrin saturation or serum ferritin within the range of normal values. Our findings suggest that at least 7 mg of iron as ferrous sulphate per litre of formula is required to prevent iron deficiency.