[Iron requirements during the first 6 months of life]

Abstract

Because of the postnatal redistribution of the iron store, the term infant born after an uneventful pregnancy virtually needs no iron during its first 6 months of life. On the other hand, several factors, such as duration of gestation, gender, mother's iron status, alteration of the iron placental transfer, significantly influence the iron store at birth. Because of their reduced body store at birth and their higher demand during catch-up growth, low birth weight infants should receive an iron supplement, which should be started earlier and given at a higher dose in the more premature infants. This preventive strategy can be given as enteral supplement, preterm formula, or enriched breast milk. Finally, because of its benefits on neonatal morbidity and iron status, delayed umbilical cord clamping is recommended for preterm infants.