A Substantial Proportion of 6- to 12-Month-Old Infants Have Calculated Daily Absorbed Iron below Recommendations, Especially Those Who Are Breastfed

ObjectiveTo calculate the amount of bioavailable iron consumed among 6- to 12- month-old infants considering differences in bioavailability dietary sources and compare this with current recommended intakes.Study designWe used Feeding Infants Toddlers Study database intakes from 2016 estimated evaluate proportion whose calculated total daily absorbed fell below physiologic requirements, that is, needed fully support growth erythropoiesis.ResultsThe absorption was 54.3% evaluated ranging 19.5% 448 exclusively formula-fed infants, 95.8% 296 breastfed 72.2% 102 mixed fed infants. The mean 9- 0.27 mg/day, far less than requirement 0.69 mg/day. most highly iron, heme <12% contributor infants.ConclusionsThese data indicate a need for further education public health policies increased intake emphasizing those receiving any breast milk. Exclusively are at lower risk, but rates low all may monitoring clinical evidence status. Consideration should be given increasing obtained animal products diet where feasible. To intakes. We erythropoiesis. These