Abstract

Breast-feeding is to be encouraged during the first six months of life. Iron deficiency is extremely rare in exclusively breast-fed infants during this period. Any cow-milk based formula used should be iron-fortified. During the second half of infancy, the iron content of weaning foods is important in preventing iron deficiency. Indeed, owing to the low iron content of dairy products, it is hard to compose a weaning diet sufficiently rich in iron to meet the demands of rapidly growing infants, if it is to include substantial amounts of cow milk, sour milk or yoghurt. Accordingly, the Paediatric Committee on Nutrition and Health, of the Swedish Paediatric Association and the National Food Administration, recommend delaying the introduction of cow's milk and cow-milk products until the infant is 10-12 months of age. Until then, breast-feeding, and the use of iron-fortified formula or gruel with modified protein and sodium content are encouraged; iron-fortified porridges of softer consistency can be prepared to circumvent the need of extra fluids, or porridge can be served with breast milk or iron-fortified formula; small amounts of milk may be used for cooking purposes.