Nancy E. Wight MD, FAAP, IBCLC wrote:

> Iron in vitamins or formula does NOT cause constipation.  There are several
> good research studies to show this.

I've seen this information mentioned in formula company literature, and in WIC
information, but this seems to contradict *years* of anecdotal evidence to the
contrary.  If iron supplements in adults cause constipation (and they do!), why
wouldn't there be a similar effect on infants?

My first-hand experience was with a foster baby (whom we've since adopted) who on
formula with iron had such constipation that it caused anal fissures, but on the
same brand without iron (I don't think it is even manufactured anymore) he was
fine.  We went back and forth several times for nearly a year...it was his only
food...and the iron was the only difference.  More than 24 hours with iron and he
was bleeding.

And when breastfed infants are given supplemental iron, it seems to cause much GI
upset, including constipation...if 25 years of hearing moms' stories is any
evidence.

Anne Cook, MS, LLLL
Sturgis, MI