Is cow's milk a sufficient source of iron for babies?

• A. Yes
• B. No, iron content inadequate and not efficiently absorbed by infants; cow's milk should not be introduced before 12 months
• C. Yes if fortified
• D. Not specified

Answer: (B)

Infants need iron for rapid growth, and cow's milk does not meet this need. It contains only small amounts of iron, and the iron it does contain is not efficiently absorbed by young infants. In addition, early introduction of cow's milk can cause tiny amounts of GI blood loss, which further depletes iron stores. For these reasons, cow's milk should not be relied on as an iron source and is not recommended before about 12 months of age. Instead, iron-rich foods and iron-fortified formulas or cereals should supply iron during infancy. After 12 months, small amounts of cow's milk can be introduced gradually, but iron-rich foods should remain a primary part of the diet.