Does Iron Formula Cause Infant Constipation?

Although breast feeding is best for your baby, there may be reasons a new mom cannot or chooses not to breastfeed her baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends “infants who are not breastfed or are partially breastfed should receive an iron fortified formula…from birth to 12 months.” Iron helps produce red blood cells which carries oxygen and is vital for your baby’s brain development. Studies have shown, low blood iron during an infant’s first year can cause physical and development problems in later years.

Mother’s seeking answers as to why their baby is constipated or colicky may determine iron-fortified formula to be the culprit. After all, extra doses of iron in adults tend to have a binding effect, so why wouldn’t it apply to infants? Scientific studies have been unable to show iron to be the cause of fussiness, irritability, colic or constipation in babies. The small amount of iron present in formula is not nearly enough to cause any problems.

Well what about formula labeled “with iron”? Doesn’t that mean extra iron has been added? No it does not. It simply means the formula has the proper amount of iron that you baby needs for growth and development. Formula labeled “low iron” means it does not provide adequate amounts of iron. Low iron formulas are typically reserved for infants with serious medical conditions.

If your formula fed baby is constipated, do not switch to low iron. Remember, formula feed babies tend to be more constipated, whereas breastfeed babies are almost never constipated. Formula is harder for your baby to digest than breast milk.

For relief from constipation try giving your baby a little prune juice. If you both bottle and breastfeed, give your baby more breast milk than formula. As always check with your doctor regarding your baby’s health.

Tags: Infant Constipation, Iron Formula