Iron-Fortified Foods Are Needed To Meet the Estimated Average Requirement for Iron in Australian Infants Aged 6 to 12 Months

Abstract

BackgroundMeeting iron intake recommendations is challenging for infants 6–12 mo, especially breastfed infants. Three-quarters of Australian infants 6–12 mo have iron intakes below the estimated average requirement (7 mg), placing them at risk of iron deficiency. After 6 mo, breastmilk is no longer sufficient to meet the increased demand for iron, and iron-rich complementary foods are recommended. Iron-fortified foods may be a means of improving iron intake in infants, particularly those that are breastfed. ObjectivesThe aims of the study were as follows: 1) to examine the effect of milk-type and fortified foods on iron intake and the prevalence of inadequacy in infants 6–12 mo; 2) to model the effect of fixed amounts of iron-fortified infant cereal (IFIC) at 6 levels of iron fortification on total iron intake and the prevalence of inadequacy; and 3) to assess the effect IFIC on the intake of other nutrients in the diet. DesignSecondary analysis of cross-sectional dietary intake data of infants 6–12 mo (n = 286) participating in the Australian Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (OzFITS) 2021. ResultsMedian (interquartile range) iron intake was 8.9 (7.5, 10.3); 6.3 (4.5, 8.2); and 2.7 (1.5, 4.4) mg/d in formula-fed, combination-fed, and breastfed infants, respectively. The corresponding prevalence of inadequacy was 19%, 67%, and 96%. Infants who consumed fortified foods had higher median iron intakes than those who did not, 6.2 compared with 1.9 mg/d. Dietary modeling showed that consuming 18 g (300 kJ) of IFIC, fortified at 35 mg/100 g dry weight, reduces the prevalence of inadequacy for iron from 75% to 5% for all infants. ConclusionsIron intakes are low in Australian infants, especially for breastfed infants in the second half of infancy. Modeling shows that 300 kJ of IFIC, the current manufacturer-recommended serving, fortified at 35 mg/100 g dry weight, added to infant diets would be an effective means to reduce the prevalence of inadequacy for iron.