Iron metabolism in premature infants: II. Prevention of iron deficiency

Abstract

The results of this study indicate clearly that iron fortification of an infant formula, offered to premature infants from the newborn period, affords effective prophylaxis against iron deficiency. Acquisition of hemoglobin iron keeps pace with the rapid growth of these infants. Hematologic observations from the tenth week of life are indistinguishable from those of healthy term infants receiving optimal nutritional care. On the other hand, the majority of premature infants who derive iron solely from iron-fortified and iron-containing solid foods, even when these foods are fed from an early age, develop true iron deficiency anemia. This nutritional anemia can be corrected effectively by the addition to the diet of a formula containing 12 mg. of elemental iron per quart. The results of this study indicate clearly that iron fortification of an infant formula, offered to premature infants from the newborn period, affords effective prophylaxis against iron deficiency. Acquisition of hemoglobin iron keeps pace with the rapid growth of these infants. Hematologic observations from the tenth week of life are indistinguishable from those of healthy term infants receiving optimal nutritional care. On the other hand, the majority of premature infants who derive iron solely from iron-fortified and iron-containing solid foods, even when these foods are fed from an early age, develop true iron deficiency anemia. This nutritional anemia can be corrected effectively by the addition to the diet of a formula containing 12 mg. of elemental iron per quart.