Iron absorption from infant cereal vs. formula: Iron absorption was studied among infants using iron supplementation of infant cereals and in milk- and soy-based formulas. Iron supplementation in cereals did not provide a good source of iron for infants. Sodium iron pyrophosphate and ferric orthophosphate were not well absorbed (mean, smaller than 1%). Mean absorption for iron of very small particle size was 4.0% and 2.7% for ferrous sulfate. However, results were more promising for iron supplementation in formulas. Ferrous sulfate in milk- and soy-based formulas gave a mean absorption of 3.4% and 5.4%. Iron supplements in milk- and soy-based formulas may meet the dietary needs of infants. (37)
