IMPACT OF IRON FORTIFICATION OF MILK FORMULAS ON INFANTS GROWTH AND HEALTH

The current controversy over the need of iron supplementation lead us to study the growth and health of infants given iron-fortified (6.5mg/ l) and non-fortified (0.5mg/l) milk-based formulas during the first si x months. The two formulas were identical except for iron content. Hea lthy, term infants with a mean age of 1.3 months and not being breast- fed were randomly allocated to receive iron-fortified formula (n=163) and non-fortified formula (n=158), being followed up to the age of one year. Data were compiled by health visitors and physicians from their notes and by asking the parents. Our results give no clear evidence o f clinical benefit from iron fortification. It is suggested, that iron is not needed in the formula consumed during the first six months of life. Because formulas are widely and increasingly used, further trial s of iron fortification in different circumstances are needed.