Comments By: Camille Foretich@A BHS WIC@MSDH
Originally To: smtp@ST BIR ISS@MSDH[[log in to unmask]]
Originally From: Camille Foretich@A BHS WIC@MSDH
Original Date:  4/23/1999  9:38 AM
Comments:

I think I sent this just to the list-owners, instead of the group, so trying
again!

-------------------------[Original Message]--------------------------

The nutrition supervisor came into my office (I'm the breastfeeding educator)
and said Ya'll have always said that there is more iron in breastmilk than in
formula ... read this!  I corrected her and said (before even looking at the
article) there is less iron in breastmilk than what is added to iron-fortified
formula but it is more bioavailable and absorbed and breastfed infants are
less likely to become iron deficient.  She said, not according to this ....
The table (reference: US Dept of Health and Human Services, CDC)
substance               iron content    bioavailable(%) absorbed
iron
nonfortifed formula             1.5-4.8mg/L     ~10
0.15-0.48       mg/L
iron-fortified formula          10.0-12.8               ~4
0.40-0.51
whole cow's milk                0.5             ~10             0.05
breast milk             0.5             ~50             0.25

Then the statement: Different infant diets are associated with varying risks
for developing iron deficiency.  Infants consuming whole cow's
milk/non-fortified formula have a 30-40% risk, infants exclusively breastfed
have a 20% risk, and those consuming iron-fortified formulas have only 8%
risk.

I don't think real fast on my feet and came back with (pretty lamely)  "That
isn't what my resources say."  I should have said prove to me that absorbing
more than what is in breastmilk is beneficial and not harmful.  I really hate
being attacked, and that is exactly how I felt.

Comments?  Words of condolence for working in an environment where you are
always being placed on the defensive?  UGH!

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