To evaluate the iron status in Exclusively breast fed normal Full term infant at birth and at 4th month of age-a hospital based Longitudinal study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Iron is essential for infant growth, cognitive development, and overall health, with full-term infants relying on iron stores accumulated during late pregnancy. While exclusive breastfeeding is the ideal form of infant nutrition, its low iron content (0.2– 0.4 mg/L) may predispose infants to iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) by four to six months. Studies in India report a high prevalence of IDA in exclusively breastfed infants, influenced by maternal anaemia, poor nutrition, and perinatal factors. While WHO and Indian guidelines recommend iron supplementation from six months, the American Academy of Paediatrics advises earlier supplementation at four months to prevent depletion. Given these concerns, there is a critical need to assess the iron status of exclusively breastfed full-term infants, particularly in regions with high maternal anaemia rates. Understanding iron depletion trends in the first months of life can help guide public health interventions, such as maternal iron supplementation during pregnancy or early iron supplementation in high-risk infants. Despite growing evidence on the long-term effects of early-life iron deficiency, there is limited research tracking iron status in exclusively breastfed, full-term infants over time. A hospital-based longitudinal study evaluating iron status at birth and at four months of age will provide essential data to inform evidence-based recommendations, helping prevent early-onset IDA and its long-term consequences on neurodevelopment and overall health. Aims and Objectives: Primary: To evaluate the iron status in exclusively breast fed normal full-term infant at birth and at 4th month of age