When do breastfed infants require an iron supplement?

When do breastfed infants require an iron supplement?

• A. 2-3 months
• B. 4-6 months
• C. 7-9 months
• D. 10-12 months

Answer: (B)

Breastfed infants start life with iron stores, and the iron in breast milk is absorbed well but is limited in total amount. As growth accelerates, their iron needs outpace what that limited supply can provide, and those stores become depleted. When iron stores are low and breast milk alone no longer meets the growing demand, a supplement is started to prevent iron deficiency and anemia. This timing aligns with the period in infancy when exclusive breastfeeding has been ongoing and iron-rich complementary foods or fortified cereals are being introduced, so the diet will eventually provide enough iron. Starting too early isn’t necessary because stores still cover initial needs, while starting too late risks deficiency before dietary iron can fully compensate.

Breastfed infants start life with iron stores, and the iron in breast milk is absorbed well but is limited in total amount. As growth accelerates, their iron needs outpace what that limited supply can provide, and those stores become depleted. When iron stores are low and breast milk alone no longer meets the growing demand, a supplement is started to prevent iron deficiency and anemia. This timing aligns with the period in infancy when exclusive breastfeeding has been ongoing and iron-rich complementary foods or fortified cereals are being introduced, so the diet will eventually provide enough iron. Starting too early isn’t necessary because stores still cover initial needs, while starting too late risks deficiency before dietary iron can fully compensate.