Milk anemia is a condition that affects infants and young children who consume excessive amounts of milk while failing to introduce appropriate complementary foods. This can lead to iron deficiency anemia, a serious health issue if left untreated. At birth, babies receive some iron from their mothers, but by the time they reach six months old, they need additional iron from their diet. However, most commercial milks contain only 0.5 to 2.0 mg of iron per liter, which is far below what a one-year-old child requires—about 6 mg per day.
Moreover, the iron found in cow's milk is not easily absorbed by the body. In fact, the absorption rate is much lower compared to human milk, which has a higher iron content and better absorption rates. Human milk provides about 33% more iron than cow’s milk, and its iron is absorbed at a rate of up to 50%, while cow's milk iron is only absorbed at around 10%. Another factor that hinders iron absorption is the low level of vitamin C in milk. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in enhancing iron absorption, but it is easily destroyed when milk is cooked in metal containers or exposed to heat. Infants also have low levels of stomach acid, which further reduces their ability to absorb this essential nutrient.
In addition, milk is rich in calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, which can make the stomach environment more alkaline. This alkalinity can interfere with iron absorption. Phosphorus, in particular, can bind with iron, making it less soluble and harder for the body to use. These factors together can worsen iron deficiency and even contribute to the development of anemia.
Copper is another important element involved in iron metabolism. It helps convert non-absorbable ferric iron into a form that the body can use. However, milk contains very little copper—only about 0.01 mg per liter. This is insufficient to meet the growing needs of infants, contributing to the risk of milk anemia. Similarly, milk lacks sufficient folic acid and vitamin B12, both of which are vital for red blood cell production. When milk is boiled at high temperatures, these nutrients are often destroyed, with losses exceeding 50% in many cases.
Vitamin B12, in particular, requires the presence of mucin in the stomach for proper absorption. Since infants have low levels of mucin, relying solely on milk as a food source can lead to deficiencies in these essential nutrients. This can disrupt nucleic acid metabolism and result in megaloblastic anemia, a type of anemia characterized by large, immature red blood cells.
Therefore, it's essential for parents to ensure that infants receive a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods and adequate vitamins, rather than relying exclusively on milk. Proper nutrition during early childhood is key to preventing conditions like milk anemia and supporting healthy growth and development.
Shanghai Enjosim Medical Technology Co., Ltd, Jiangsu Enjosim Medical Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.enjosimmedical.com