In a 1987 article the statement was made that the electrolytic iron powder used in iron-fortified baby cereals was so poorly absorbed - at a rate less than 0.1% - that it should not be relied upon as a source of iron for babies. I have assumed this to be good information and have quoted it often. Now that we have another expert on the line, is this a valid piece of information? If it is, and iron supplementation is required, do you have alternative suggestion for supplementation? The full reference is: Fomon, S. Bioavailability of supplemental iron in commercially prepared dry infant cereals. J Pediatr 1987; 110(4): 660-61. I look forward to your reply with interest. Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to inform the rest of us of the information you have found. Regardless of the outcome, debate among such qualified people serves us all well. Linda Pohl, IBCLC Phoenix, Arizona USA [log in to unmask]