How much iron is absorbed from breastmilk compared to formula?

How much iron is absorbed from breastmilk compared to formula?

• A. 30% from breastmilk vs. 10% from formula
• B. 50% from breastmilk vs. 4% from formula
• C. 25% from breastmilk vs. 5% from formula
• D. 10% from breastmilk vs. 2% from formula

Answer: (B)

Breast milk is known to have a high bioavailability of iron, meaning that a significant proportion of the iron it contains is absorbed by the infant. Studies have shown that about 50% of the iron in breast milk is absorbed. This superior absorption rate is largely due to the specific form of iron present in human milk, which is more easily utilized by the infant's body compared to the iron found in formula. In contrast, iron in infant formula is often in a less bioavailable form, leading to much lower absorption rates, typically around 4%. This discrepancy is important because it highlights the nutritional advantages of breastfeeding, especially in terms of iron availability, which is crucial for an infant's growth and development. This choice accurately reflects the significant differences in iron absorption between breast milk and formula.

Breast milk is known to have a high bioavailability of iron, meaning that a significant proportion of the iron it contains is absorbed by the infant. Studies have shown that about 50% of the iron in breast milk is absorbed. This superior absorption rate is largely due to the specific form of iron present in human milk, which is more easily utilized by the infant's body compared to the iron found in formula.

In contrast, iron in infant formula is often in a less bioavailable form, leading to much lower absorption rates, typically around 4%. This discrepancy is important because it highlights the nutritional advantages of breastfeeding, especially in terms of iron availability, which is crucial for an infant's growth and development.

This choice accurately reflects the significant differences in iron absorption between breast milk and formula.