Infant iron supplementation
Iron is included in most infant formulas. Therefore, there is no evidence that iron supplementation is necessary for healthy formula-fed, full-term infants.
In the past it was recommended that infants from birth to 4 months of age could receive a lower quantity of iron compared with those from 4 to 12 months of age. As such, several milk-based formulas (for example, Similac (Ross Pharmaceuticals) and Enfamil (Mead Johnson Pharmaceuticals)) were marketed under two varieties — “low iron” and “high iron.” (Some parents have inaccurately called “low iron” formulas “no iron” — no such product exists.)
Pediatricians currently recommend that all children receive the iron content found in “high iron” formulas. It is not necessary to search for “high iron” formula brands. Unless the container clearly indicates that the brand is “low iron,” all brands are manufactured with only the single “high iron” option. These include both milk-based as well as soy protein-based brands.
The “high iron” formulas are said in folklore to be more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects, including increased gas and constipation, than other formulas or breast milk. Many studies have conclusively shown this is not true.
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Minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, iodine, copper and zinc) and trace elements (manganese, chromium, selenium, and molybdenum) are included in most infant formulas. Therefore, there is no evidence that mineral supplementation are necessary for healthy formula-fed, full- term infants. In the past, it was recommended that infants from birth to 4 months of age could […]
- Infant mortality rate
The number of children dying at less than 1 year of age, divided by the number of live births that year.
- Infant protein requirements
Proteins contain different amino acids that are linked together. Proteins provide both calories and the amino acid building blocks that are necessary for proper growth. The protein in human milk provides between 10%-15% of an infant’s daily caloric need. Casein and whey are the two major proteins of human milk and most milk-based formulas. (Immunoglobulins, […]
- Infant vitamin requirements
Vitamins are organic substances that are essential in minute quantities for the proper growth, maintenance, and functioning of the baby. Vitamins must be obtained from food because the body cannot produce them. The exception is vitamin D, which can be produced by the skin when it is exposed to the sun. There are four fat-soluble […]
- Infant water requirements
failing to adequately dilute the concentrates with water causes the formulas to be too “hypertonic.” Hypertonic formulas can induce diarrhea and dehydration. In extreme cases, ingestion of overly hypertonic formulas can lead to kidney failure, gangrene of the legs, and coma. Therefore, parents should not adjust the amount of water that is added to concentrates […]