Pregnancy & Baby 

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Does 4-month-old need iron supplements?

Dear Susan, A full-term healthy baby is born with iron stores, that along with the iron received through his mother's milk, will see him well into the second half of his first year of life without needing supplements. Iron deficiency is rarely seen in breastfed babies during the first six months of life. Iron is present in your milk. Although human milk does not contain large amounts of iron, it is very well absorbed. Approximately 50% of the iron in a mother's milk is absorbed, compared to only a 7% absorption from formula, and a 4% absorption from infant cereals. Since a full-term baby's iron stores begin to diminish at around 6 months of age, solid foods can help to meet your baby's increased need for iron and protein at that time. Solids can then be gradually added to the baby's diet, although breast milk should still remain the priority throughout the second half of your baby's first year of life. If you or your health visitor are concerned about your baby's iron (haemoglobin) levels, a simple blood test (heel prick) would put your mind at ease. Normal levels for a six month old range from between 10.5 and 14 gm/dl, with the average being 12. Best wishes. Warmly, Debbi

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