Iron is required for the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen from the lungs to muscles
and the brain.
Iron Requirements
Based on scientific studies and experience with pediatric nutrition, the American Academy of Pediatrics, an
organization of over 50,000 physicians dedicated to the health of infants and children, recommends that full-term infants receive between .15 and 3.0 mg/100 calories of iron for normal growth and development.
Note: Premature infants may have different iron requirements. If your baby was born early, discuss your
baby's iron needs with your pediatrician.
Bright Beginnings meets iron needs
Bright Beginnings cow's milk and soy formulas provide iron in amounts that satisfy American Academy of
Pediatrics requirements for full-term healthy infants and that have been clinically proven to support infant growth and red blood cell production.
Avoid "low iron" formulas
Iron does not cause constipation, colic, or gas. There is no medical reason for healthy infants to use
formulas with less than the recommended amount of iron. Use of formulas deficient in iron can lead to
anemia, or inadequate numbers of red blood cells.
Iron-fortified cereals
The iron content in breast milk is felt by many pediatric experts to be inadequate for normal growth
and development in the second half of the first year. For this reason, breast fed infants need additional
iron beyond age six months. Iron-fortified cereals are thus a good choice for starting infants on solid foods.
Solid foods rich in iron
Red meats are the best sources of iron. Other dietary sources of iron are beans and spinach. Consult your pediatrician about an appropriate time to introduce
these foods into your baby's diet.
Hemoglobin testing
At age nine months, your baby's pediatrician will perform a blood test that measures your baby's levels of
hemoglobin - the substance that carries oxygen in the blood. Although there are other nutrient deficiencies that can cause an infant to have a low
hemoglobin value, the most common cause is insufficient iron intake. Consult your pediatrician if you are
concerned about your baby's iron intake. |
