Iron-Fortified Formula may be associated with Neurodevelopmental Delays for Healthy Infants

In healthy, well-nourished infants without anemia, the use of high-iron (12 mg/L ferrous sulfate) vs low-iron (2.3 mg/L ferrous sulfate) formula for 1 year after age 6 months is associated with significantly lower scores on spatial memory and visuomotor integration at 10 years and potentially lower scores for IQ, visual perception, and motor coordination.

In infants who are iron-sufficient in the first year of life, use of a high-iron vs a low-iron formula for 1 year from age 6 months is associated with a significantly lower IQ score (by 11 points) at 10 years.

News Author: Martha Kerr, BSN

Pediatric Academic Societies and Asian Society for Pediatric Research Joint Meeting: Poster 5340.2. Presented May 8, 2008.