Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | |
Date: | Sat, 22 Nov 1997 12:47:19 -0500 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
Babies do not become anemic because they don't get formula. I agree
this is a grrrr or an arrgh. It is also stupid to put an exact word
on it. But although breastfeeding *protects* babies from getting iron
deficient, this protection is not forever. Eventually, the baby will
become iron deficient. A study a few years ago from Finland showed
that though babies breastfed exclusively for 9 months were not anemic,
about 15% of them had shown biochemical evidence of iron deficiency.
Presumably, if they did not soon get some extra iron, they would have
become anemic. Eventually *every* child fed only breastmilk would
become anemic, some by 10 months, some by 2 years.
The best source of iron for babies is meat, but there are other
sources. Again, I emphasize that babies can start solids at the age
they are reaching into the mother's plate (typically at 5 or 6
months), and it is important to teach parents to allow them to eat
then--not to miss these cues that they are ready. Because often the
enthusiasm dissipates after a few weeks.
The hysteria, though, about cognitive deficits caused by iron
deficiency anemia is overblown, overwrought and a very effective
marketing tool for selling formula.
Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC
|
|
|