What is the rationale for starting iron supplementation in exclusively breastfed infants by 4-6 months?

• A. Because human milk has high iron content that meets needs.
• B. Because human milk iron content is low and iron needs rise with age.
• C. Because cow's milk provides balanced iron.
• D. Because infants have no iron requirements before 12 months.

Answer: (C)

Iron supplementation for exclusively breastfed infants around 4–6 months is based on the fact that breast milk, while highly bioavailable for the iron it contains, provides only a small total amount of iron. As infants grow, their iron requirements increase and fetal iron stores are typically depleted by about 4–6 months. Since the iron provided by breast milk alone may no longer meet these rising needs, starting supplementation or providing iron-rich complementary foods helps prevent iron deficiency anemia. Cow’s milk is not a suitable iron source for infants under 1 year, and infants do have iron requirements before 12 months, so delaying supplementation would risk deficiency.