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| |    Iron Needs of Formula-Fed Babies by Mary Silva, M.S., R.D. reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. When talk turns to nutrition and its role in maintaining a healthy body, it's not long before iron gets mentioned. This mineral is a crucial building block of red blood cells and is essential to maintaining healthy blood--which, in turn, helps make for a healthy infant. Babies and children who do not get enough iron in their diet are at risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia, a condition that can affect not only an infant's energy level, but also his learning and motor development. By the time a baby is between four and six months of age, the iron stores he accrued in the womb often can no longer meet the demand of his rapid growth, so some form of supplemental iron becomes necessary. Begin your baby on iron-fortified formula, and he'll enjoy a good source of iron right from the start. Fallacies and facts Because many infants suffer from iron-deficiency anemia, formulas made in the United States are fortified with iron. If you look at any formula label, you will see that it contains a large amount of iron--but keep in mind that as significant as the amount seems, it's that high on purpose because only part of it gets absorbed. Standard formula, based on cow's milk, is also manufactured in a low-iron form because some parents believe that their babies can't tolerate iron-fortified formula. No scientific evidence supports this belief, however. The color of an infant's stools may darken after they start drinking iron-fortified formula, but that is no indication of intolerance. Another common misconception is that too much iron causes constipation, but this has not been found to be true either. It's important to know that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all formula-fed infants be given iron-fortified formula. Furthermore, the AAP has not discovered any benefit (or even use for) low-iron formula. Soy-based and protein hydrolysate formulas also are routinely fortified with iron. Iron in solid foods Babies who are ready to eat solids can get iron from infant cereal that has been fortified with it, in addition to the iron that's in the formula they drink. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of iron for an average six-month-old is 10 milligrams. A four-tablespoon serving of infant cereal provides about 7 mg. of iron. Initially, babies can be given cereal mixed with iron-fortified formula once or twice a day; the amount will increase over time as your baby's size and, consequently, his appetite grow. Beyond infant cereal Once you have introduced your baby to different types of fruit without it causing any adverse reaction, consider using commercial jarred cereal and fruit with added iron and vitamin C for better absorption. As your baby grows older, his iron needs will increase, so be sure to offer him other foods that contain iron, such as meat, beans, and egg yolks. The mineral is also contained, to a lesser degree, in vegetables such as spinach and broccoli and in fruits such as apricots and prunes. Of course, you should only introduce these foods when it's appropriate for your baby's age, and take care to try one food at a time so that you can more easily pinpoint the source of any potential reactions. Preventing iron loss Experts advise against replacing formula with cow's milk before age one because milk contains very little iron, and in some cases--particularly in very young infants--it can cause microscopic bleeding in the gastrointestinal system. This lack of iron, combined with the potential for blood loss, increases a child's risk for iron-deficiency anemia, which is why it's best to wait until your infant is at least one year old before giving him milk. It's not uncommon for parents to introduce milk products like cheese and yogurt before the age of 12 months, and in general, there's no harm in doing so. But if these foods are given frequently to a baby, they may leave his small stomach too full to handle his eating more important, iron-rich foods. Make sure to limit the number of milk products you give your infant, and he'll no doubt get all the nutrients--including iron--that his growing body needs.
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