Do infants under six months of age need extra iron? : a probe

Nonetheless, the U.S. National Research Council"s Food and Nutrition Board recommends supplementation, as do several other national and international organizations. This paper examines and challenges many of the assumptions and studies that are the basis for such recommendations. The paper"s major conclusion is that there is no justification for indiscriminate iron fortification of formula or iron supplementation of breastfed infants during the first 6 months of life, and supplementation is not needed for full term infants during this period. Exclusive breastfeeding is an excellent source of iron in infancy. With regard to fortification of formula, there are many unanswered questions. There is some evidence that, while far inferior to exclusive breastfeeding for the first 4-6 months, iron-fortified formula can raise hemoglobin levels; more studies, and better-designed ones, are needed. Likewise in the case of premature or low birthweight infants, many more careful, clinically controlled studies are need to establish recommendations for iron supplementation. Lastly, iron supplements for pregnant and lactating women have not been shown to be clearly beneficial to infant health. Specific research suggestions are provided. (Author abstract, modified)