Milk anemia refers to a condition in infants and young children where excessive consumption of milk, without proper introduction of other iron-rich foods, leads to iron deficiency anemia. Newborns receive some iron from their mothers at birth, but by the time they reach six months old, they need additional iron from solid foods. However, most commercial milk contains only 0.5 to 2.0 mg of iron per liter, which is far below the daily requirement for a one-year-old child, who needs about 6 mg of iron per day.
Moreover, the iron found in cow's milk is not easily absorbed by the body. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, and a deficiency can lead to anemia. Studies show that the iron content in cow’s milk is just 33% of that in breast milk. Additionally, while breast milk allows for up to 50% iron absorption, cow’s milk has an absorption rate of only around 10%. This low absorption is further reduced because milk is poor in vitamin C, a key factor in enhancing iron uptake.
When milk is heated in metal containers, vitamin C is easily destroyed. Infants also have low stomach acid, which hinders vitamin C absorption. Without sufficient vitamin C, the body struggles to absorb iron effectively. In addition, milk is high in calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, which can make the stomach contents more alkaline. Phosphorus can bind with iron, making it harder for the body to absorb. All these factors can worsen or even cause iron deficiency anemia.
Copper is another important nutrient involved in iron metabolism. It helps convert non-absorbable ferric iron into a form that the body can use. However, cow’s milk contains very little copper—only about 0.01 mg per liter—which is insufficient to meet an infant's needs. This lack of copper can also contribute to the development of milk anemia.
Additionally, milk is low in folic acid and vitamin B12, both of which are crucial for red blood cell formation. Many infant milks are boiled at high temperatures, leading to the loss of over 50% of these nutrients. Vitamin B12 requires the presence of intrinsic factor (mucin) in the stomach for absorption, which infants lack. As a result, feeding solely on milk can lead to deficiencies in folic acid and B12, causing problems in DNA synthesis and ultimately leading to megaloblastic anemia in children.
To prevent milk anemia, it’s essential to introduce a variety of iron-rich foods alongside milk, especially after the baby reaches six months of age. Including vitamin C-rich foods like oranges or bell peppers can help improve iron absorption. Ensuring a balanced diet with adequate copper, folic acid, and B12 is also vital for healthy growth and development.
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