Iron and lactoferrin in milk of anemic mothers given iron supplements

The factors regulating concentrations of iron and iron-binding proteins in milk are incompletely known. Since anemic women usually are given iron supplements, we have evaluated the effect of this practice on iron and lactoferrin levels in milk. Lactating Peruvian mothers (n = 29) were studied during the first month of lactation. Lactoferrin and iron in milk were analyzed at 2 and 30 days post-partum. Mothers who were anemic (Hgb