TABLE 4.
Hypothetical daily iron intake of an 8-mo-old US infant based on sample menu1
| Iron intake, mg/d |
||
| Food | Formula-fed | Breastfed |
| Human milk2 (21) | — | 0.2 |
| Infant formula3 (21) | 8.5 | — |
| Iron-fortified cereal4 (21) | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Meat5 (21, 22) | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| Vegetables6 (21, 22) | 1.8 | 1.8 |
| Other (fruit, dairy)7 (22) | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 18.5 | 10.2 |
From the American Academy of Pediatrics, sample menu for an 8–12-mo-old infant (20). All values are approximate based on average iron content of human milk, infant formula, and complementary foods. Includes dietary iron intakes only; does not include intake from supplements. Sources for iron content are from Baker and Greer (21) and the USDA (22).
Assumes daily intake of 720 mL human milk containing 0.35 mg Fe/L.
Assumes daily intake of 720 mL infant formula fortified with 12 mg Fe/L.
Assumes daily intake of 60 g dry fortified rice cereal mixed with fruit juice.
Assumes daily intake of 56 g pureed or crumbled ground beef and 70 g chicken from baby food jar.
Assumes daily intake of 112 g mashed baked sweet potato, 112 g creamed spinach from baby food jar, and 112 g strained green beans from a baby food jar.
Assumes daily intake of 3–4 servings of fruit, cheese, and/or other dairy products at ∼0.3 mg Fe/serving; no servings of legumes.