>>Either I'm dreaming or I have read an article about how iron
fortified formula impacts the bioavailability of iron in mothers milk
(breastfed infants who get supplements of formula).  A pediatrician asked me
about it, I confidently replied that I had information on it, and now I can't
locate it. >>

From The Breastfeeding Answer Book, LLLI, P. 515:

"Iron drops and iron-fortified foods sometimes cause digestive upsets in
babies and can reduce the efficiency of iron absorption.  When iron
supplements are given, the baby's delicately balanced use of iron may be
jeopardized and digestive problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea, can
result.  Two specialized proteins in mother's milk, lactoferrin and
transferrin, pick up and bind iron from the infant's intestinal tract.  In
binding this iron, they stop harmful bacterial from multiplying by depriving
them of the iron they need for growth.  When iron supplements are given to
the breastfed baby, the iron-binding abilities of lactoferrin and transferrin
are overwhelmed, allowing the bacterial to thrive."

Hope this helps.

Ruth Scuderi
Westfield, MA

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