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A study of the iron requirement in infants, using changes in total body iron determined by hemoglobin, serum ferritin
1Department of Maternal and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
Insights
Iron absorption in breast-fed infants was estimated at 0.4 mg/day. This research suggests a dietary iron requirement of 4 mg/day for infants during weaning.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Human Physiology
- Iron Metabolism
Background:
- Assessing infant iron requirements is crucial for healthy development.
- Breast-fed infants may have varying iron absorption rates.
- Accurate estimation of iron needs prevents deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate iron absorption in healthy, breast-fed infants.
- To determine the dietary iron requirement for infants during the weaning period.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring changes in total body iron (TBI) in infants.
- Measuring hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels at 4-5 and 10-11 months.
- Calculating hemoglobin iron, body storage iron, and TBI.
Main Results:
- Estimated iron absorption was approximately 0.4 mg/day.
- This was calculated by summing TBI increment and physiological iron loss.
- Dietary iron requirement for weaning was estimated at 4 mg/day.
Conclusions:
- The study provides an estimate for iron absorption in breast-fed infants.
- A recommended dietary iron intake of 4 mg/day is suggested for the weaning phase.
- Findings contribute to understanding infant nutritional needs and preventing iron deficiency.
Abstract:
The amount of iron absorption in healthy breast-fed infants was estimated in order to assess the iron requirement. This was carried out by monitoring changes in total body iron (TBI). Hemoglobin and serum ferritin were measured to calculate hemoglobin iron, body storage iron and TBI at the ages of 4-5 months and 10-11 months. The amount of iron absorption was approximately 0.4 mg/day, calculated as the sum of TBI increment and physiological iron loss. From this study, the dietary iron requirement for the weaning period was estimated as 4 mg/day.