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Title: Lead and iron status of breast and formula-fed infants

Conference · · Trace Subst. Environ. Health; (United States)
OSTI ID:6373512

We examined the iron and lead status of breast-fed and formula-fed infants from birth through the first year of life. Not only has the adequacy of iron intake of breast and formula-fed infants been questioned but also the contamination of breast milk with environmental pollutants such as Pb. In addition, it is believed that a state of Fe deficiency may promote the absorption of Pb. We compared the blood Pb and Fe levels of 23 breast-fed and 23 formula-fed infants whose mothers were enrolled in a longitudinal study determining the effects of maternal nutritional and environmental factors on the infants' subsequent growth and development. Serum iron, TIBC and %SAT values were obtained at 6 and 12 mo. Additional biochemical values including Pb and erythrocyte protoporphyrin (EP) concentrations were obtained at birth and 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 mo. Iron status was similar at 6 mo for the breast-fed and formula-fed infants, but somewhat higher for the breast-fed infants at 12 mo (NS). Results indicate no differences in Pb or EP status between breast-fed and formula-fed infants. Biochemical values were within normal limits. We conclude that dietary intake of Pb and Fe by infants whether breast-feeding or formula-feeding reflects adequate Fe status and apparent safe Pb state.

Research Organization:
Ohio State Univ., Columbus
OSTI ID:
6373512
Report Number(s):
CONF-8106251-
Journal Information:
Trace Subst. Environ. Health; (United States), Vol. 15; Conference: 15. annual conference on trace substances in environmental health, Columbia, MO, USA, 1 Jun 1981
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English