In a healthy full-term infant who is exclusively breastfed, iron supplementation should begin at what age to prevent iron deficiency anaemia?

In a healthy full-term infant who is exclusively breastfed, iron supplementation should begin at what age to prevent iron deficiency anaemia?

• A. 4 months
• B. 2 weeks
• C. 1 month
• D. 6 months

Answer: (A)

Term infants who are healthy and exclusively breastfed rely on iron stores built before birth. These stores typically last about four months, and after that breast milk alone doesn’t supply enough iron. Starting a daily iron supplement around four months helps prevent iron deficiency anemia as the infant’s own stores are depleted and solid foods or iron-fortified foods begin to contribute iron. The usual approach is about 1 mg/kg of elemental iron daily, continued until iron-rich foods are regularly consumed or until fortified formula is used. Beginning earlier than four months isn’t needed because stores are still sufficient, while delaying beyond this window increases the risk of iron deficiency before dietary sources can meet needs.

Term infants who are healthy and exclusively breastfed rely on iron stores built before birth. These stores typically last about four months, and after that breast milk alone doesn’t supply enough iron. Starting a daily iron supplement around four months helps prevent iron deficiency anemia as the infant’s own stores are depleted and solid foods or iron-fortified foods begin to contribute iron. The usual approach is about 1 mg/kg of elemental iron daily, continued until iron-rich foods are regularly consumed or until fortified formula is used. Beginning earlier than four months isn’t needed because stores are still sufficient, while delaying beyond this window increases the risk of iron deficiency before dietary sources can meet needs.