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October 22, 1997
"We just do not find iron deficiencies among people on a reasonable variety of plant-based foods."
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Teenage Eating Habits...!
If you have a question or concern about healthy dietary
choices, send it to us in an e-mail message, and
we'll forward it to Dr. Attwood.
Iron Levels for Breastfed Baby
Would like to know what
I should be including in my diet to make sure my 5 month
old fully breastfed baby and I receive enough iron. I
don't eat red meat but do eat chicken and seafood. I'm
sick of taking iron supplements!! Would also like to know
what I should feed my baby when he is weaned to ensure he
gets enough iron.
Your diet presently has
more than enough iron. If you should decide to discontine
chicken and all other animal products, there will still
be enough iron in your diet for breastfeeding. We just do
not find iron deficiencies among people on a reasonable
variety of plant-based foods.
Your child may go directly from breastfeeding to a
variety of soft solids (vegetables and fruits) without a
period on a bottle formula. This also will supply enough
iron for the child. I do not recommend iron supplements.
Of course, if there is any special medical condition
being treated by your doctor, I would want you to get his
opinion about your diets.
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