Iron status in low birth weight infants on breast and formula feeding.

Iron status in 15 low birth weight infants, 1000-2499 g, on breast feeding was studied longitudinally for the first 6 months of age, and the findings compared to those of 30 low birth weight infants receiving a proprietary iron-fortified formula. The two groups received no iron supplement until they developed iron deficiency. The incidence of iron deficiency at 6 months was significantly greater in the breast-fed group than in the formula-fed group (86% v 33%). The breast-fed group had significantly lower serum ferritin and hemoglobin values after 4 months of age. The findings indicate that breast-fed low birth weight infants have a higher risk of developing iron deficiency and should receive iron supplementation from 2 months of age.