What is the goal for iron supplementation in healthy term breastfed infants?

The goal for iron supplementation in healthy term breastfed infants is established as 1 mg/kg/day. This recommendation is based on the recognition that breast milk, while providing optimal nutrition for infants, has low levels of iron. By around four to six months of age, infants have typically exhausted their iron reserves obtained from maternal sources during gestation. It is crucial to ensure that the supplementation supports adequate iron levels to promote healthy growth and development, particularly for preventing iron deficiency anemia, which can have detrimental effects on a child's cognitive and physical development.

The chosen amount of 1 mg/kg/day is sufficient to address the iron needs in this population, aiding in maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels. It represents a balanced approach to supplementation, ensuring that infants receive enough iron without risking excessive intake. This guidance is informed by current pediatric nutritional guidelines and helps health care providers ensure that breastfed infants receive the nutrients they require during their critical early months of growth.