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What Kind of Iron Does My Child Need?
Babies are born with iron reserves that last 4 to 6 months after birth. It is found as hemoglobin and muscle protein. Iron is found in breast milk and it is recommended that infants be breastfed for six months. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), an infant needs about 1 mg/kg per day to meet iron requirements. To reduce the risk of iron-deficiency anemia in the first year, breastfed infants should have iron in their infant formula. This has been the AAP’s position since 1969. Iron absorption appears to be greater in cow’s milk compared to soy milk. Actual amount per serving may vary from brand to brand.
If My Baby Already Has Iron at Birth, Why Is He in Formula?
The fat in breast milk comes close to the nutrients that every baby needs in the first year of life. Your baby’s diet is fortified to ensure that there are enough nutrients to help your baby grow and develop. The abundant fetal red blood cells that live in the baby’s body for the first four months work together with the iron that comes from their diet to support the growth of red blood cells. Supplementing with iron can reduce the risk of developing anemia, which can make you feel tired and weak.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Slow weight gain
- Pale skin
- Eating less
- Frustration, including cranky and fussy
Why Are Some Baby Foods Low in Iron?
There is concern that too much iron can cause the baby to develop symptoms such as colic and constipation. However, there is little clinical evidence that iron is the cause of these complications. Low iron formula is not recommended by the AAP because it increases the risk of anemia. According to a 1999 article in the journal AAP Pediatrics, a low iron concentration is less than 6.7 mg/L. It can be as low as 1.1 mg/L depending on the manufacturer. Research at the time showed that the incidence of iron-deficiency anemia increased when iron was very low.
Is There Enough Iron in European Organic Formulas?
Formulas from Europe including Hipp, Holle, and Lebenswert contain 0.76-0.99 mg of iron per 100 calories. However, all of the infant formulas in question are Stage PRE (from birth to 3 months) and Stage 1 (from birth to 12 months) when the baby’s iron is high and often deficient. This means that they are following the European Union and the recommendations of the World Health Organization.
Iron levels may not be adequate in children at risk of iron-deficiency anemia including premature or low birth weight infants. Their iron levels may not be at the same level as a normal baby, so the amount of iron in their infant formula is very important for their growth and development needs.
| Formula | Mg per 100 calories | Formula | Mg per 100 calories |
| Hipp German HA PRE | 0.76 | Holle FOR | 0.81 |
| Hipp German HA Part 1 | 1.01 | Part 1 of Holle | 0.81 |
| Hipp German HA Part 2 | 1.43 | Part 2 of Holle | 1.18 |
| Hip Anti Reflux | 1.06 | Holle Goat Part 1 | 0.99 |
| Hipp comfort | 0.91 | Holle Goat Part 2 | 1.47 |
| Hipp German Part 1 Combiotic | 0.90 | Holle Goat Part 3 | 1.52 |
| Hipp German Stage 2 Combiotic | 1.47 | Worth Living Part 1 | 0.88 |
| Part 1 of Hip Dutch | 0.76 | Worth Living Part 2 | 1.43 |
| Part 2 of Hip Dutch | 1.47 | Loulouka Stage 1 | 1.1 |
| Hip UK Part 1 | 0.76 | Loulouka Stage 2 | 1.5 |
| Hip UK Part 2 | 1.47 | Loulouka Stage 3 | 1.5 |
| NannyCare Part 1 | 0.71 | NannyCare Part 2 | 0.89 |
| NannyCare Part 3 | 0.91 |
Is European Organic Formula Right For Your Baby?
Before changing your child’s formula, ask your pediatrician to make sure your child is getting enough iron. This can be done with a simple blood test. If you have enough time for a child, enjoy the quality and the quality of your favorite milk, and you are not confident in the baby formula made in America, then any method that we offer on our website will be suitable for your child.
One European children’s formula contains a lot of iron, especially in Phase 1. Loulouka has 1.1 mg per 100 calories compared to less than 1 mg with other products.
Another point to consider is that Hipp, Holle, and Lebenswert have been feeding babies in Europe and around the world for many years, and both NannyCare and Loulouka have many years of research that focuses on the health and well-being of all children. They meet or exceed the strict guidelines of the European Union food and environmental regulations. They also agree with the World Health Organization’s expectations.
Iron is part of a healthy diet in other ways. There are iron supplements recommended for infants. Even breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to take iron supplements to pass through their milk. Solid foods are also fortified with iron when your toddler starts eating cereal and other foods, both plant and animal based. Also, when your child begins to lose the iron they have, you can consider going to the next stage that contains more iron.
If your child is at risk for anemia, talk to your doctor. Otherwise, you can be sure that the same formula that has been part of baby food for almost 90 years in Europe is good for your baby too.
Tools:
Iron Needs for Babies and Children
Daily iron supplementation for children 6-23 months of age