This is in response to the question why nursing infants should not receive supplements containing iron. 

If memory serves me correctly, lactoferrin is an iron binding protein that is present in breastmilk. An adequate level of lactoferrin has protective value to the infant. This is due to the presence of pathogens in the intestine that are iron dependent. Lactoferrin binds to iron thus, reducing the functionality of the pathogens. The provision of extra iron to the infant, exceeds the amount of available lactoferrin and thus, enables the proliferation of pathogens. 

Keren Epstein-Gilboa MEd BScN RN FACCE LCCE IBCLC PhD (Candidate)

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