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Iron sufficiency in breast-fed infants and the availability of iron from human milk

J A McMillan, S A Landaw, F A Oski

    Pediatrics
    |November 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Exclusively breast-fed infants maintain normal iron levels, even after depleting prenatal iron stores. Human milk iron absorption is higher than cow

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Human Nutrition
    • Infant Health

    Background:

    • Infants exclusively breast-fed for 8-18 months were studied.
    • These infants had grown sufficiently to deplete prenatal iron stores.
    • Normal hemoglobin and serum iron values were observed in all infants.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the adequacy of iron from breast milk for exclusively breast-fed infants.
    • To compare iron absorption from human milk versus cow's milk in adults.

    Main Methods:

    • Studied four exclusively breast-fed infants (8-18 months).
    • Measured hemoglobin and serum iron levels in infants.
    • Conducted iron absorption studies in ten adults comparing human and cow's milk.

    Main Results:

    • All studied infants exhibited normal hemoglobin and serum iron.
    • Iron absorption from human milk was significantly higher than from cow's milk in adults.
    • Infants' iron status remained normal despite depleted prenatal stores.

    Conclusions:

    • Iron in human milk is sufficient to meet the needs of exclusively breast-fed infants.
    • Adequate iron supply from breast milk supports normal infant growth up to approximately tripling birthweight.
    • Higher iron bioavailability from human milk contributes to sustained infant iron status.

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