Iron supplementation affects growth and morbidity of breast-fed infants: results of a randomized trial in Sweden and Honduras

Dewey, K.G.; Domellöf, M.; Cohen, R.J.; Landa Rivera, L.; Hernell, O.; Lönnerdal, B.; Dewey, K.G; Domellöf, M; Cohen, R.J; Landa Rivera, L; Hernell, O; Lönnerdal, B

doi:10.1093/jn/132.11.3249

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Iron supplementation affects growth and morbidity of breast-fed infants: results of a randomized trial in Sweden and Honduras

Dewey, K.G.; Domellöf, M.; Cohen, R.J.; Landa Rivera, L.; Hernell, O.; Lönnerdal, B.

Journal of Nutrition 132(11): 3249-3255

2002

ISSN/ISBN: 0022-3166

PMID: 12421836

DOI: 10.1093/jn/132.11.3249

Document Number: 247238

Iron supplements are often prescribed during infancy but their benefits and risks have not been well documented. We examined whether iron supplements affect growth or morbidity of breast-fed infants. Full-term infants in Sweden (n = 101) and Honduras (n = 131) were randomly assigned to three groups at 4 mo of age: 1) placebo from 4 to 9 mo; 2) placebo from 4 to 6 mo and iron supplements 110 g/L (P < 0.05). We conclude that routine iron supplementation of breast-fed infants may benefit those with low Hb but may present risks for those with normal Hb. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.