Iron supplementation for a breastfed infant is typically started at what age when solid foods are introduced?

Iron supplementation for a breastfed infant is typically started at what age when solid foods are introduced?

• A. 4 months
• B. 6 months
• C. 9 months
• D. 12 months

Answer: (B)

Iron needs rise as infants grow, and full-term babies rely on iron stores built before birth plus a small amount from breast milk. Those stores are typically exhausted by about 6 months, so when solid foods are introduced around this age, it becomes the usual time to add iron supplementation to ensure adequate iron intake. Beginning too early isn’t helpful because there isn’t a reliable iron source before solids, and waiting longer risks iron deficiency as dietary iron from breast milk alone is limited. Include iron-rich complementary foods (like iron-fortified cereals or meats) or a clinician-directed supplement at this stage to prevent deficiency.

Iron needs rise as infants grow, and full-term babies rely on iron stores built before birth plus a small amount from breast milk. Those stores are typically exhausted by about 6 months, so when solid foods are introduced around this age, it becomes the usual time to add iron supplementation to ensure adequate iron intake. Beginning too early isn’t helpful because there isn’t a reliable iron source before solids, and waiting longer risks iron deficiency as dietary iron from breast milk alone is limited. Include iron-rich complementary foods (like iron-fortified cereals or meats) or a clinician-directed supplement at this stage to prevent deficiency.