Growth of Escherichia coli and Concentration of Iron in an Infant Feeding Formula

Abstract

Iron deficiency reaches epidemic proportions in infants, particularly those of low socioeconomic status.1 In an attempt to decrease the frequency of this deficiency, iron fortification of infant cereals and cow's milk formulas has been advocated.2 Although the prevention of iron deficiency is a valid nutritional goal, concern has recently been voiced about possible detrimental effects of iron supplementation.3,1 This concern has been based on studies indicating an association between hyperferremia and serious infection,3,6 and also by denionstrations that the bacteriostatic properties of serum and milk can be abolished by the addition of iron.7,8 These findings have been extrapolated into suggestions that the iron supplementation of cow's milk formulas might predispose the infants consuming them to an increased risk of bacterial infection and even that ironcontaining formulas might be contraindicated.4