Low-iron formulas a no-no

Switching to a low-iron formula as a cure for colic or constipation could set babies up for iron-deficiency anemia and developmental difficulties.

"There is no evidence that the iron in fortified formulas causes colic, spitting up, constipation, or irritability.  But, there is strong evidence that iron-fortified formulas can prevent iron-deficiency anemia in formula-fed infants," said Dr. Kathleen J. Motil, a pediatrician with the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

According to Motil, iron-deficiency anemia compromises the amount of oxygen available to an infant's rapidly growing brain and body tissues, which can create long-term problems.  Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, the compound produced by red blood cells to carry oxygen in the bloodstream.

Studies have shown that young children who suffered from iron-deficiency anemia in infancy scored lower on standard developmental tests than their peers.

Infant Formulas