Prospective and young mothers have frequently received conflicting messages regarding proper iron supplementation while breastfeeding a baby. While it is true that iron is a crucial nutrient for life -- both in adults and in infants -- you must take care when ingesting supplemental iron since both excessive and insufficient iron intake can be harmful.
Iron Purpose
According to the Mayo Clinic, the human body needs iron to be able to create red blood cells. Iron is a major component of hemoglobin, which is used to transport iron throughout the body. Insufficient iron intake can lead to a serious condition known as iron deficiency anemia, which is characterized by a lack of energy, weakness, tiredness or dizziness.
Adult Requirements
Men between the ages of 19 and 50 only need about 8 mg of iron per day. Women the same age need about 18 mg of iron per day. The requirement for women after age 50 returns to 8 mg. Women between the age of 14 and 50 who are pregnant need about 27 mg of iron daily. While breastfeeding, women from 14 to 18 should consume about 10 mg of iron per day, and women from 19 to 50 need about 9 mg of iron per day.
Child Requirements
From the age of 7 months to 12 months, babies need about 11 mg of iron per day. 1-year-olds to 3-year-olds need about 7 mg per day. Four-year-olds to 8-year-olds need about 10 mg per day, and 9-year-olds to 13-year-olds need about 8 mg per day. Boys between 14 and 18 need about 11 mg of iron per day, and girls between 14 and 18 need about 15 mg of iron per day.
Breastfeeding Considerations
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is preferable for babies to be fed only with breast milk until they are at least 6 months old. The babies will absorb all of the iron they require from their mother's milk, assuming that the mother's iron intake is at the recommended level. If a baby is switched to formula from breast milk between the ages of 6 months and 1 year, make sure the formula contains sufficient supplemental iron.
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