About iron powder formula
There is an increasing demand for infant formulas to be fortified with essential nutrients such as DHA and iron. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that formula-fed infants receive an iron-fortified infant formula to prevent the risk of iron-deficiency (ID). In addition, some formulas contain other nutrients such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) to promote eye and brain development.
A team of researchers examined the mean DHA and iron concentrations of infant formula-based products sold in the United States between 2017 and 2019. The data included: U.S. dollar (USD) sales; weight of formula-based products sold for more than $7,000 USD annually between 2017 and 2019; and scoop sizes in grams.
Among the analyzed formulas, those with intact proteins had the highest DHA and iron concentrations at a mean of 17.0 mg/100 kcal and 12.0 mg/100 kcal, respectively. Partially hydrolyzed protein-based formulas had the lowest DHA and iron concentrations at a median of 10.0 mg/100 kcal and 7.0 mg/100 kcal, respectively.
The long-term developmental outcome of infants receiving formula fortified with iron at the level currently recommended in the United States was poorer in those who had high hemoglobin levels in infancy, compared to those with low hemoglobin levels. This may be a result of the negative interaction between zinc and copper and the increased absorption of iron from iron-fortified infant formulas, which decreases their availability in the gastrointestinal tract. This may affect the development of the infant and the development of other important mineral systems, including bone metabolism.