Regarding iron absorption in human milk, which statement is true?

Regarding iron absorption in human milk, which statement is true?

• A. Iron in human milk is poorly absorbed
• B. Iron content is low but absorption is efficient
• C. Iron content is high but absorption is poor
• D. Iron is not present in human milk

Answer: (B)

Iron in human milk is present in low concentrations, yet it is highly absorbable. This efficiency comes from the iron being bound to lactoferrin and other proteins in milk, which protects the iron and facilitates its uptake by the infant’s intestinal cells. Because of this bioavailability, the iron delivered through breast milk—though small in amount—can still meet the infant’s needs during early life. The other statements don’t fit: the iron content isn’t high, iron is present, and absorption isn’t poor.

Iron in human milk is present in low concentrations, yet it is highly absorbable. This efficiency comes from the iron being bound to lactoferrin and other proteins in milk, which protects the iron and facilitates its uptake by the infant’s intestinal cells. Because of this bioavailability, the iron delivered through breast milk—though small in amount—can still meet the infant’s needs during early life. The other statements don’t fit: the iron content isn’t high, iron is present, and absorption isn’t poor.