The way I understand it is that the iron in breastmilk is so bioavailable
because of the lactoferrin and that exogenenous iron screws up the perfect
system present in breastmilk (iron + lactoferrin).
There are some good ref in BF Answer Book on how BF baby uses iron and isn't
usually anemic. PS we are talking about full term healthy babies, born with
a normal store of iron that lasts for 6 mo +.

I just read in Lawrence that if a mother must supplement with formula she
should use low iron!  The excessive iron in formula binds with the
lactoferrin in breast milk and interfere with its protective   activity.
Unfortunately she doesn't give a specific ref.

Pat in SNJ

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