Iron deficiency poses a serious health threat to exclusively breastfed infants.
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 77/100
Multiple studies substantiate that iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia are significant health concerns for exclusively breastfed infants, particularly as they approach six months of age, justifying careful monitoring and potential supplementation.
Evidence for · 7
Frequency of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Exclusively Breastfed and Infants Fed on Cow’s Milk
2023 · cited by 1
Notes that iron deficiency is a prevalent nutrient deficiency and examines anemia among exclusively breastfed infants.
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More for · 6
Anemia and iron deficiency in healthy, exclusively breastfed infants: Prevalence and association with sex and birth weight.
2026 · cited by 0
Finds high prevalence rates of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia in healthy exclusively breastfed infants at six months of age.
Male sex and iron deficiency risk at 6 months: the mediating role of rapid weight gain.
2026 · cited by 0
Identifies a high risk of iron deficiency in exclusively breastfed male infants at six months.
Hemoglobin Response to a Low-Iron Dose in Infantile Anemia.
2026 · cited by 0
Notes that iron-deficiency anemia is common during infancy, particularly among exclusively breastfed infants after six months.
Iron in breastfed infants and behavior at 3 years: a randomized trial.
2026 · cited by 0
States that breastfed infants are particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency, which is associated with impaired neurodevelopment.
Assessment of Micronutrient Deficiencies in Exclusively Breastfed Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study.
2025 · cited by 0
Reports that iron and vitamin D deficiencies remain common in exclusively breastfed infants despite supplementation programs.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia among Exclusively Breastfed Term Infants of 4-6 Months Age and its Contributing Factors: A Cross-sectional Study
2022 · cited by 0
Demonstrates that approximately one-third of healthy, term exclusively breastfed infants become iron deficient by six months of age.