Iron supplementation of breastfed infants from an early age.
BACKGROUND
In breastfed infants, iron deficiency at <6 mo of life, although uncommon, is observed in industrialized countries. Iron supplementation starting at an early age may prevent iron deficiency.


OBJECTIVE
The study assessed the effect of early iron supplementation of breastfed infants and tested the hypothesis that iron supplementation enhances iron status. Potential adverse effects (tolerance and growth) were monitored.


METHODS
The prospective, placebo-controlled study involved exclusively breastfed infants who were randomly assigned at 1 mo of age to iron (n = 37) or placebo (n = 38). Iron (7 mg/d as multivitamin preparation with ferrous sulfate) or placebo (multivitamin preparation without iron) was given from 1 to 5.5 mo of age. Complementary foods were allowed at >4 mo. Infants were followed to 18 mo. Blood concentrations of ferritin, transferrin receptor, hemoglobin, and red cell indexes were determined at bimonthly intervals. Stool consistency and color and feeding behavior were recorded.


RESULTS
Iron supplementation caused modest augmentation of iron status during the intervention at 4 and 5.5 mo but not thereafter. Iron supplements were well tolerated and had no measurable effect on growth. One infant developed iron deficiency anemia by 5.5 mo of age. Plasma ferritin and hemoglobin tracked over time.


CONCLUSIONS
Early iron supplementation of breastfed infants is feasible and transiently increases iron status but not hematologic status. Iron is tolerated by most infants. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia is low (3%) among unsupplemented breastfed infants in the first 6 mo of life.
Ziegler
Ekhard E
EE
Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. ekhard-ziegler@uiowa.edu
Nelson
Steven E
SE
Jeter
Janice M
JM
D000367:Age Factors; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001682:Biological Availability; D001942:Breast Feeding; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000097:blood / Q000254:growth & development; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008297:Male; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry*; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014886:Weaning
D007501:Iron