Iron, Zinc, and Vitamin D Supplementation During Breastfeeding

Iron supplementation is not required for the non-anemic breastfeeding mother. Iron supplementation to the 4-monthold full-term, exclusively breastfed infant is associated with improved hematological indices. However, the long-term benefit of improved hematologic indices at 4–6 months is not known. If iron supplementation is given before 6 months, it should be given as a 1 mg/kg/day distinct iron supplement until iron-fortified cereals (7–7.5 mg ferrous sulfate/day) or other iron-rich foods such as meat, tofu, beans, and others are initiated at 6 months of age with other complementary foods. (IB)